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V 



THE FROG AND THE OX. 







FAVOURITE FABLES 

Jit aitJr ^tx%L 



ITH 


y WENTY-FOUI\ 


] 


LLUSTRATIONS 




FROM DRAWINGS 

ARRIS ON 





THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, 

42, BLEECKER STREET. 


■ Z 



i 


« 



I 


*4 

1 


•3 



CONTENTS. 


FABLE PAGE 


I. 

The Fox and the Goat 



I 

II. 

The Frog and the Ox 



2 

III. 

The Man and His Goose 



3 

IV. 

The Lion and other Beasts 



4 

V. 

The Dove and the Ant 



5 

VI. 

The Fox without a Tail 



6 

VII. 

The Butterfly and the Snail 



7 

VIII. 

The Wolf and the Crane 



9 

■ IX. 

The Frog and the Eat 



lO 

X. 

The Fighting Cock and Eagle 



12 

XI. 

The Diamond and the Loadstone 



13 

XII. 

The Bear and the Bees 



15 

XIII. 

The Frogs desiring a King 



i6 

XIV. 

The Fox and the Boar 



17 

XV. 

The Vine and the Goat 



18 

XVI. 

The Discontented Horse 



19 

XVII. 

The Mountain in Labour 



21 

XVIII. 

The Fox and the Stork 



21 

XIX. 

The Horse and the Stag 



23 

XX. 

The Lion Wounded 



24 

XXI. 

The Ass in the Lion’s Skin 



25 

XXII. 

Jupiter and the Farmer 



25 

XXIII. 

The Vain Jackdaw 


... 

28 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


FABLE 


XXIV. 

The 

XXV. 

The 

XXVI. 

The 

XXVII. 

The 

XXVHI. 

The 

XXIX. 

The 

XXX. 

The 

XXXI. 

The 

XXXII. 

The 

XXXHI. 

The 

XXXIV. 

The 

XXXV. 

The 

XXXVI. 

The 

XXXVH. 

The 

XXXVIII. 

The 

XXXIX. 

The 

XL. 

The 

XLI. 

The 

XLII. 

The 

XLIII. 

The 

XLIV. 

The 

XLV. 

The 

XLVI. 

The 

XLVH. 

The 

XLVIII. 

The 

XLIX. 

The 

L. 

The 

LI. 

The 

LH. 

The 


Viper and the File 
Wolf and the Lamb ... 

Old Bullfinch and Young Bir 
Mouse and the Weasel 
Old Hound 

Charger and the Ass ... 

Colt and the Farmer ... 

Lark and her Young Ones 
Fox AND THE CrOW 
Peacock’s Complaint 
Stag in the Ox-Stall . . . 

Wind and the Sun 
Travellers and the Bear 
Dog and the Shadow ... 
Hermit and the Bear . . . 
Shepherd’s Boy and the Wolf 
Fawn and her Mother 
Tortoise and the Eagle 
Brother and Sister 
Shepherd’s Dog and Wolf 

Covetous Man 

Hare and the Tortoise 
Hog and the Acorns ... 
Country Mouse and the City 
Cat and the Mice 
Kid and the Wolf 
Council of Horses 
Ass and the Little Dog 
Lion and the Four Bulls 


DS 


Mous 



CONTENTS. 



V 

FABLE 




PAGE 

LIII. 

The Leopard and the Fox 



72 

LIV. 

The Warrior Wolf 



73 

LV. 

The Belly and the Members 



74 

LVI. 

The Cur, the Horse, and the Shepherd’s Dog 


76 

LVII. 

The Jackdaw and the Eagle 



78 

LVIII. 

The Ass and the Lion Hunting ... 



79 

LIX. 

The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing 



80 

LX. 

The Two Bees 



81 

LXI. 

The Turkey and the Ant 



82 

LXII. 

The Dog and the Wolf 



84 

LXIII. 

The Satyr and the Traveller 



86 

LXIV. 

The Barleymow and the Dunghill 



87 

LXV. 

The Sheep-biter and Shepherd 



88 

LXVI. 

The Stag at the Pool 



90 

LXVII. 

The Old Swallows and the Young Birds 


9 T 

LXVIII. 

The Waggoner and the Butterfly 



93 

LXIX. 

The Lion, the Bear and the Fox... 



95 

LXX. 

The Fox and the Grapes 



96 

LXXI. 

The Hare and Many Friends 



97 

LXXII. 

The Cock and the Fox 



100 

LXXIII. 

The Lion and the Mouse 



102 

LXXIV. 

The Trumpeter taken Prisoner ... 



103 

LXXV. 

The Mouse and the Elephant 



104 

LXXVI. 

The Husbandman and his Sons 



106 

LXXVII. 

The Bald Knight 



107 

LXXVIII. 

The Dog in the Manger 



108 

. LXXIX. 

The Old Man and Death ... 



108 

^ LXXX. 

The Old Hen and Young Cock ... 



no 

LXXXL 

Mercury and the Woodman 



112 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


FABLE 


LXXXII. 

The Wolf and the Kid 

... 


114 

^ LXXXIII. 

The Old Man and his Sons 

. . . 


1 14 

LXXXIV. 

The Brook and the Fountain 



1 16 

LXXXV. 

The Mice in Council 



117 

LXXXVI. 

The Fox in the Well 



119 

LXXXVII. 

' The Horse and the Wolf 



120 

LXXXVIII. 

The Two Springs 



120 

LXXXIX. 

The Countryman and the Raven ... 



1 22 

XC. 

The Fox and the Bramble 



123 

XCI. 

Hercules and the Carter ... 



124 

XCII. 

The Boys and the Frogs 



125 

XCIII. 

The Cock and the Jewel 



126 

XCIV. 

The Nightingale and the Glow-Worm 



127 

xcv. 

The Sick Lion 



128 

XCVI. 

The Lion, the Fox, and the Geese 



130 

XCVII. 

The One-Eyed Doe 




XCVIII. 

The Fox, the Raven, and the Dove 



133 

XCIX. 

The Two Pots 



136 

c. 

The Two Frogs ^ ... 



137 

CL 

The Fox and the Mask 



M 

00 

CII. 

The Cat, the Cock, and the Young Mouse 


138 

cm. 

The Mice and the Trap 



T40 

CIV. 

The Chameleon 



I4I 

cv. 

The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ass... 



T 44 

CVI. 

CVIT. 

The Boy and the Butterfly 

The Crow and the Pitcher 



148 

140 


149 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

1. The Frog and the Ox ( Fro7itispiece ) 2 

2. The Fox without a Tail 6*^ 

3. The Fighting Cock and Eagle 12 

4. The Vine and the Goat 18*^ 

5. The Lion Wounded 24 

6. The Wolf and the Lamb ... ... ... 30/--" 

7. The Charger and the Ass ... ... ... 36 

8. The Fox and the Crow "... ... ... 42 ^ 

9. The Uog and the Shadow 48 ‘ 

10. The Fawn and her Mother 54/ 

11. The Hare and the Tortoise ... 60^ 

12. The Kid and the Wolf 66^ 

13. The Leopard and the Fox ... ... ... 72 

14. The Jackdaw and the Eagle 78^ 

15. The Dog and the Wolf 84 

16. The Stag at the Pool 90 

17. The Fox and the Grapes g6 ^ 

18. The Lion and the Mouse 102^ 

19. The Dog in the Manger 10^ 

20. The Wolf and the Goat 114^ 

21. The Horse and the Wolf 120'' 

22. The Cock and the Jewel 126*^ 

23. The One-eyed Doe 132/ 

24. The Fox and the Mask 130 


A- H 


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V 


FAVOURITE FABLES 


FABLE I. 


THE FOX AND THE GOAT. 


N the extreme end of a 
village a Fox one day 
went to have a peep at a 
hen-roost. He had the 
bad luck to fall into a 
well, where he swam first to 
this side, and then to that 
side, but could not get out 
with all his pains. At last, 
as chance would have it, a 
poor Goat came to the same 
place to seek for some drink. 
“ So ho ! friend Fox,” said he, “ you quaff it off there at a 
great rate: I hope by this time you have quenched your 
thirst.” “ Thirst ! ” said the sly rogue ; “ what I have found 
here to drink is so clear, and so sweet, that I cannot take my 

B 



FAVOURITE FABLES. 


fill of it ; do, pray, come down, my dear, and have a taste of 
it.” With that, in plumped the Goat as he bade him; but 
as soon as he was down, the Fox jumped on his horns, and 
leaped out of the well in a trice; and as he went off, ‘‘ Good 
bye, my wise friend,” said he; “if you had as much brains 
as you have beard, I should have been in the well still, and 
you might have stood on the brink of it to laugh at me, as I 
now do at you.” 


MORAL. 

A rogue will give up the best friend he has to get out of 
a scrape ; so that we ought to know what a man is, that we 
may judge how far we may trust to what-he says. 


FABLE II. 

THE FROG AND THE OX. 

An old Frog, being wonderfully struck with the size and 
majesty of an Ox that was grazing in the marshes, was 
seized with the desire to expand herself to the same portly 

puffing and swelling for some time, 
at think you,” said she, to her young ones, “will this 
do?” “Far from it,” said they. “Will this?” “By no 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 


3 


means.” ‘‘ But this surely will?” ‘‘Nothing* like it,” they 
replied. After many fruitless and ridiculous efforts to the 
same purpose, the foolish Frog burst her skin, and miserably 
expired upon the spot. 

MORAL. 

To attempt what is out of our power, and to rival those 
greater than ourselves, is sure to expose us to contempt and 
ruin. 

FABLE III. 

THE MAN AND HIS GOOSE. 

A CERTAIN Man had a Goose, which laid him a golden 
egg every day. But, not contented with this, which rather 
increased than abated his avarice, he was resolved to kill the 
Goose, and cut up her belly, so that he might come to the 
inexhaustible treasure which he fancied she had within her, 
without being obliged to wait for the slow production of a 
single egg daily. He did so, and, to his great sorrow and 
disappointment, found nothing within. 

MORAL. 

The man that hastes to become rich often finds that he has 
onl}'" brought on ruin. 


4 


favourite fables. 


FABLE IV. 

THE LION AND OTHER BEASTS. 

The Bull, and several other beasts, were ambitious of the 
honour of hunting with the Lion. His savage Majesty 
graciously condescended to their desire ; and it was agreed 
that they should have an equal share in whatever might be 
taken. They scour the forest, are unanimous in the pursuit, 
and, after a long chase, pull down a noble stag. It was 
divided with great dexterity by the Bull into four equal 
parts; but just as he was going to secure his share — 
“Hold!’' says the Lion, “let no one presume to help 
himself till he hath heard our just and reasonable claims. I 
seize upon the first quarter by virtue of my prerogative ; the 
second I claim as due to my superior conduct and courage ; 
I cannot forego the third, on account of the necessities of 
my den ; and if anyone is inclined to dispute my right to the 
fourth, let him speak.” Awed by the majesty of his frown, 
and the terror of his paws, they silently withdrew, resolving 
never to hunt again but with their equals. 

MORAL. 

Be certain that those who have great power are honest 
before you place yourselves in their hands, or you will be 
deprived of your just rights. 


FAVOURIJE FABLES. 


5 


FABLE V. 

THE DOVE AND THE ANT. 

The Ant, compelled by thirst, went to drink in a clear, 
purling rivulet; but the current, with its circling eddy, 
snatched her away, and carried her down the stream. A 
Dove, pitying her distressed condition, cropped a branch 
from a neighbouring tree and let it fall into the water, by 
means of which the Ant saved herself and got ashore. Not 
long after, a Fowler, having a design against the Dove, 
planted his nets in due order, without the bird’s observing 
what he was about ; which the Ant perceiving, just as he 
was going to put his design into execution, she bit his heel, 
and made him give so sudden a start, that the Dove took the 
alarm, and flew away. 


MORAL. 

Kindness to others seldom fails of its reward ; and none 
is so weak that he may not be able in some fashion to repay 
it. Let us show kindness without looking for a return, but a 
blessing will surely follow. 


6 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE VI. 

. THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL. 

A Fox being caught in a steel trap by his tail, was glad 
to compound for his escape with the loss of it ; but on coming 
abroad into the world, began to be so sensible of the dis- 
grace such a defect would bring upon him, that he almost 
wished he had died rather than left it behind him. However, 
to make the best of a bad matter, he formed a project in his 
head to call an assembly of the rest of the Foxes, and propose 
it for their imitation as a fashion which would be very agree- 
able and becoming. He did so, and made a long harangue 
upon the unprofitableness of tails in general, and endeavoured 
chiefly to show the awkwardness and inconvenience of a Fox’s 
tail in particular ; adding that it would be both more graceful 
and more expeditious to be altogether without them, and 
that, for his part, what he had only imagined and conjectured 
before, he now found by experience ; for that he never enjoyed 
himself so well, nor found himself so easy as he had done 
since he cut off his tail. He said no more, but looked about 
with a brisk air to see what proselytes he had gained ; when 
a sly old Fox in tne company, who understood trap, answered 



THE FOX WITHOUT A TAIL, 











FAVOURITE FABLES, 


7 


him, with a leer, I believe you may have found a con- 
veniency in parting with your tail ; and when we are in the 
same circumstances, perhaps we may do so too.” 

MORAL. 

It is common for men to wish others reduced to their own 
level, and we ought to guard against such advice as may 
proceed from this principle. 

FABLE VII. 

THE BUTTERFLY AND THE SNAIL. 

As in the sunshine of the morn, 

A Butterfly, but newly born, 

Sat proudly perking on a rose. 

With pert conceit his bosom glows ; 

His wings, all glorious to behold, 

Bedropt with azure, jet and gold. 

Wide he displays ; the spangled dew 
Reflects his eyes, and various hue. 

His now forgotten friend, a Snail, 

Beneath his house, with slimy trail. 

Crawls o’er the grass ; whom, when he spies. 

In wrath he to the gardener cries : 


8 


favourite fables. 


‘‘ What means yon peasant’s daily toil, 
From choaking" weeds to rid the soil ? 

Why wake you to the morning’s care ? 

Why with new arts correct the year ? 

Why glows the peach with crimson hue ? 
And why the plum’s inviting blue ? 

Were they to feast his taste designed, 

That vermin, of voracious kind ? 

Crush, then, the slow, the pilfring race; 

So purge thy garden from disgrace.” 

'' What arrogance ! ” the Snail replied ; 

‘‘ How insolent is upstart pride ! 

Hadst thou not thus, with insult vain. 
Provoked my patience to complain, 

I had concealed thy meaner birth. 

Nor traced thee to the scum of earth : 

For, scarce nine suns have wak’d the hours. 
To swell the fruit, and paint the flowers. 
Since I thy humbler life surveyed. 

In base, in sordid guise arrayed ; 

A hideous insect, vile, unclean. 

You dragg’d a slow and noisome train ; 

And from your spider-bowels drew 
Foul film, and spun the dirty clue. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


9 


I own my humble life, good friend ; 

Snail was I born, and Snail shall end. 

And what’s a Butterfly? At best. 

He’s but a Caterpillar, dress’d ; 

And all thy race (a numerous seed) 

Shall prove of Caterpillar breed.” 

MORAL. 

All upstarts, insolent in place. 

Remind us of their vulgar race. 

FABLE VIII. 

THE WOLF AND THE CRANE. 

A Wolf, after too greedily devouring his prey, happened 
to have a bone stick in his throat, which gave him so much 
pain that he went howling up and down, and importuning 
every creature he met to lend him a kind hand in order to 
his relief ; nay, he even promised a reward to anyone who 
should undertake the operation with success. At last the 
Crane, tempted with the lucre of the reward, and having first 
made the Wolf confirm his promise with an oath, undertook 
the business, and ventured his long neck into the rapacious 
felon’s throat. 

In short, he plucked out the bone, and expected the pro- 
mised gratuity ; when the Wolf, turning his eyes disdainfully 


10 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


towards him, said, ‘‘I did not think you had been so un- 
reasonable ! Have I not suffered you safely to draw your j 
neck out of my jaws ? And have you the conscience to 
demand a further reward ? ” 


MORAL. 

When we do good to bad men, we must not expect good 
from them. 

FABLE IX. 

THE FROG AND THE RAT. 

Once on a time, a foolish Frog, 

Vain, proud, and stupid as a log. 

Tired with the marsh, her native home, 

Imprudently abroad would roam. 

And fix her habitation where 
She’d breathe at least a purer air. 

She was resolved to change, that’s poz ; 

Could she be worse than where she was ? 

Away the silly creature leaps. 

A Rat, who saw her lab’ ring steps. 

Cried out, ‘‘Where in this hurry, pray? 

You certainly will go astray !” 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


II 


‘‘Ne’er fear; I quit that filthy bog, 

Where I so long have croaked incog : 

People of talents, sure, should thrive. 

And not be buried thus alive. 

But, pray (for I’m extremely dry). 

Know you of any water nigh ? ’ ’ 

“ None,” said the Rat, “you’ll reach to-day. 
As you so slowly make your way. 

Believe a friend, and take my word. 

This jaunt of yours is quite absurd. 

Go to your froggery again ; 

In your own element remain.” 

No : on the journey she was bent. 

Her thirst increasing as she went ; 

For want of drink she scarce can hop, 

And yet despairing of a drop : 

Too late she moans her folly past ; 

She faints, she sinks, she breathes her last. 


MORAL. 

Vulgar minds will pay full dear. 

When once they move beyond their sphere. 


12 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE X. 

THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE. 

Two Cocks were fightingfor the sovereignty of the dung- 
hill, and one of them having got the better of the other, he 
that was vanquished crept into a hole, and hid himself for 
some time ; but the victor flew up to an eminent place, clapt 
his wings, and crowed out victory. An Eagle, ‘who was 
watching for his prey near the place, saw him, and, making a 
swoop, trussed him up in his talons, and carried him off. The 
Cock that had been beaten, perceiving this, soon quitted his 
hole, and, shaking off all remembrance of his late disgrace, 
gallanted the hens with all the intrepidity imaginable. 


MORAL. 

Before honour is humility. We must not be too much 
elevated by prosperity lest we meet a grievous fall. 



THE FIGHTING COCK AND EAGLE 




C’..r 




FAVOURITE TABLES 


13 


FABLE XL 

THE DIAMOND AND THE LOADSTONE. 

A Diamond, of great beauty and lustre, observing, not 
Dnly many other gems of a lower class ranged together with 
himself in the same cabinet, but a Loadstone likewise placed not 
far from him, began to question the latter how he came there, 
and what pretensions he had to be ranked among the precious 
stones ; he, who appeared to be no better than a mere flint, 
a sorry, coarse, rusty-looking pebble, without any the least 
shining quality to advance him to such an honour ; and con- 
cluded with desiring him to keep his distance, and pay a 
proper respect to his superiors. 

“I find,” said the Loadstone, “you judge by external 
appearances, and condemn without due examination ; but I 
will not act so ungenerously by you. I am willing to allow 
you your due praise : you are a pretty bauble ; I am mightily 
delighted to see you glitter and sparkle; I look upon you 
with pleasure and surprise ; but I must be convinced you are 
of some sort of use before I acknowledge that you have any 
real merit, or treat you with that respect which you seem to 
demand. With regard to myself, I confess my deficiency in 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


H 

outward beauty; but I may venture to say, that I make 
amends by my intrinsic qualities. The great improvement 
of navigation is entirely owing to me. By me the distant 
parts of the world have been made known and are accessible 
to each other ; the remotest nations are connected together, 
and all, as it were, united into one common society ; by a 
mutual intercourse they relieve one another’s wants, and all 
enjoy the several blessings peculiar to each. The world is 
indebted to me for its wealth, its splendour, and its power; 
and the arts and sciences are, in a great measure, obliged to 
me for their improvements, and their continual increase. All 
these blessings I am the origin of ; for by my aid it is that 
man is enable to construct that valuable instrument, the 
Mariner’s Compass.” 


MORAL. 


Let dazzling stones in splendour glare ; 
Utility’s the gem for wear. 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


15 


FABLE XII. 

THE BEAR AND THE BEES. 

A Bear happened to be stung by a Bee ; and the pain 
was so acute, that in the madness of revenge he ran into the 
garden, and overturned the hive. This outrage provoked 
their anger to such a degree that it brought the fury of the 
whole swarm upon him. They attacked him with such 
violence that his life was in danger, and it was with the 
utmost difficulty that he made his escape, wounded from 
head to tail. In this desperate condition, lamenting his 
misfortunes, and licking his sores, he could not forbear 
reflecting how much more advisable it had been to have 
patiently borne one injury, than by an unprofitable resent- 
ment to have provoked a thousand. 


MORAL. 

It is more prudent to acquiesce under an injury from a 
single person, then by an act of vengeance to bring upon us 
the resentment of a whole community. 


i6 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XIII. 

THE FROGS DESIRING A KING. 

The Frogs, living an easy, free life everywhere among the 
lakes and ponds, assembled together one day, in a very tumul- 
tuous manner, and petitioned Jupiter to let them have a king, 
who might inspect their morals, and make them live a little 
honester. Jupiter, being at that time in pretty good humour, 
was pleased to laugh heartily at their ridiculous request, 
and, throwing a little log down into the pool, cried, “ There 
is a king for you!’’ The sudden splash which this made 
by its fall into the water, at first terrified them so exceedingly 
that they were afraid to come near it. But, in a little time, 
seeing it lie still without moving, they ventured, by degrees, 
to approach it ; and at last, finding there was no danger, 
they leaped upon it, and, in short, treated it as familiarly as 
they pleased. But, not contented with so insipid a king as 
this was, they sent their deputies to petition again for another 
sort of one ; for this they neither did nor could like. Upon 
that he sent them a Stork, who, without any ceremony, fell 
devouring and eating them up, one after another, as fast as 
he could. Then they applied themselves privately to Mer- 
cury, and got him to speak to Jupiter in their behalf, that he 
would be so good as to bless them again with another king. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


17 


or restore them to their former state. ‘‘ No,” says he ; 
“since it was their own choice, let the obstinate wretches 
suffer the punishment due to their folly.” 

MORAL. 

This fable teaches that it is better to be content with our 
present condition, however bad we may think it, than, by 
ambitious change, to risk making it worse. 


FABLE XIV. 

THE FOX AND THE BOAR. 

The Boar stood whetting his tusks against an old tree. 
The Fox, who happened to come by at the same time, asked 
him why he made those martial preparations of whetting his 
teeth, since there was no enemy near, that he could perceive. 
“That may be. Master Reynard,” says the Boar, “but we 
should scour up our arms, while we have leisure, you know ; 
for, in time of danger, we shall have something else to do.” 

MORAL. 

It is well to have preparations made for all emergencies, 
that when we are placed in any difficult position we may be 
calm and self-possessed. These preparations are best made 
in times of leisure. 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE XV. 

THE VINE AND THE GOAT. 

A Goat having taken shelter from the heat of the sun 
under the broad leaves of a shady- spreading vine, began to 
crop and eat them ; by this means, the branches being put 
into a rustling motion, he drew the eyes of some hunters who 
were passing that way, and, seeing the vine stir, thought some 
wild beast had taken covert there; they shot their arrows at a 
venture, and killed the Goat, who, before he expired, uttered 
his dying words to this purpose : “ Ah ! I suffer justly for my 
ingratitude, who could not forbear doing an injury to the 
vine that had so kindly afforded me shelter.” 

MORAL. 

Ingratitude is a great crime, and from which we should 
seek earnestly to be preserved. He that is capable of in- 
juring his benefactor, what would he scruple to do towards 
another ? 



THE VINE AND THE GOAT 










FA VO URITE FABLES, 


19 


FABLE XVI. 

THE DISCONTENTED HORSE. 

As Jupiter once was receiving petitions 

From birds and from beasts of all ranks and conditions ; 

With an eye full of fire, and mane quite erect, 

Which, Fm sorry to say, shewed but little respect. 

The Horse went as near as he dared to the throne. 

And thus made his donkey-like sentiments known : 

“ For beauty of symmetry, fleetness, and force. 

It is said that all animals yield to the Horse; 

While my spirit I feel, and my figure I view 
In the brook, Fm inclined to believe it is true; 

But still, mighty Jupiter, still, by your aid. 

In my form might some further improvements be made. 
To run is my duty, and swifter and stronger 
I surely should go, were my legs to be longer : 

And as man always places a seat on my back, 

I should have been made with a saddle or sack ; 

It had saved him much trouble, on journies departing, 
And / had been constantly ready for starting.’’ 


20 


FAVOmiTE FABLES. 


Great Jupiter smiled (for he laughed at the brute, 

As he saw more of folly than vice in his suit), 

And striking the earth with omnipotent force, 

A Camel rose up near the terrified Horse : 

He trembled — he started — his mane shook with fright. 
And he staggered half round, as preparing for flight. 

“ Behold !” exclaimed Jove, “ there an animal stands 
With both your improvements at once to your hands : 

His legs are much longer ; the hump on his back 
Well answers the purpose of saddle or sack : 

Of your shapes, tell me, which is more finished and trim ? 
Speak out, silly Horse, would you wish to be him ? ” 

The Horse looked abashed, and had nothing to say 
And Jove, with reproaches, thus sent him away : 

“ Begone, till you gratefully feel and express 
Your thanks for the blessings and gifts you possess. 

The Camel, though plain, is mild, useful, and good; 

You are handsome, but proud, discontented and rude.’' 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


21 


FABLE XVII. 

THE MOUNTAIN IN LABOUR. 

A RUMOUR once prevailed that a neighbouring mountain 
was in labour ; it was affirmed that she had been heard to 
utter prodigious groans ; and a general expectation had been 
raised that some extraordinary birth was at hand. 

Multitudes flocked in much eagerness to be witnesses of 
the wonderful event, one expecting her to be delivered of a 
giant, another of some enormous monster, and all were in 
earnest expectation of something grand and astonishing ; 
when, after waiting with great impatience a considerable 
time, behold, out crept a Mouse. 

MORAL. 

To raise uncommon expectations renders an ordinary 
event ridiculous. 


FABLE XVIII. 

THE FOX AND TPIE STORK. 

The Fox, though in general more inclined to roguery 
than wit, had once a strong inclination to play the wag with 
his neighbour the Stork. He accordingly invited her to 
dinner in due form. But when she came to tb? 


22 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


Stork found it consisted entirely of different soups, served In 
broad, shallow dishes, so that she could only dip the end of 
her bill in them, but could not possibly satisfy her hunger. 
The Fox lapped them up very readily, and every now and 
then addressing himself to his guest, desired to know how 
she liked her entertainment, hoped that everything was to 
her liking, and protested he was very sorry to see her eat so 
sparingly. 

The Stork, perceiving she was jested with, took no notice, ^ 
but pretended to like every dish extremely ; and, at parting, 
pressed the Fox so earnestly to return her visit that he could 
not, in civility, refuse. 

The day arrived, and he repaired to his appointment. , 
But, to his great dismay, he found the dinner was composed of ; 
minced meat, served up in long, narrow-necked bottles; so 
that he was only tantalized with the sight of what it was 
impossible for him to taste. The Stork thrust in her long 
bill, and helped herself very plentifully ; then, turning to , 
Reynard, who was eagerly licking the outside of a jar where ; 
some sauce had been spilled, ‘‘ I am very glad,” said she, i 
smiling, “ that you appear to have so good an appetite. I 
hope you will make as hearty a dinner at my table as I did 
the other day at yours.” The Fox hung down his head, and 
looked very much displeased. ‘‘ Nay, nay ! ” said the Stork; 
“don’t pretend to be out of humour about the matter; they 
that cannot take a jest should never make one. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


23 


FABLE XIX. 

THE HORSE AND THE STAG. 

The Stag, with his sharp horns, got the better of the 
Horse, and drove him clear out of the pasture where they 
used to feed together. So the latter craved the assistance of 
man, and, in order to receive the benefit of it, suffered him 
to put a bridle into his mouth, and a saddle upon his back. 
By this means he entirely defeated his enemy, but was 
mightily disappointed when, upon returning thanks, and 
desiring to be dismissed, he received this answer: ‘‘No; I 
never knew before how useful a drudge you were ; now I 
have found out what you are good for, you may depend upon 
it, I will keep you to it.” 

MORAL. 

Help yourself, if you can do so ; but at any rate, before 
you seek the assistance of a powerful man, be sure that the 
help he gives you will be disinterested, or you may find that 
in helping you he may put you under obligations fatal to 
liberty. 


H 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE XX. 

THE LION WOUNDED. 

A Man, who was very skilful with his bow, went up into 
the forest to hunt. At his approach, there was a great con- 
sternation and rout among the wild beasts, the Lion alone 
showing any determination to fight. ‘‘ Stop,” said the 
Archer to him, ‘‘ and await my messenger, who has some- 
what to say to you.” With that, he sent an arrow after the 
Lion, and wounded him in the side. The Lion, smarting 
with anguish, fled into the depths of the forest ; but a Fox, 
seeing him run, bade him take courage, and face his enemy. 
“No,” said the Lion, “you will not persuade me to that; 
for if the messenger he sends is so sharp, what must be the 
power of him who sends it ? ” 

MORAL. 

It is better to yield to a superior force than foolishly brave 
its power. 



IHE LION WOUNDED 













FAVOURITE FABLES, 


25 


FABLE XXL 

THE ASS IN THE LIOn’s SKIN. 

An Ass, finding a Lion’s skin, disguised himself with it, 
and ranged about the forest, putting all the beasts that saw 
him into bodily fear. After he had diverted himself thus for 
some time, he met a Fox, and, being desirous to frighten 
him too, as well as the rest, he leapt at him with some fierce 
ness, and endeavoured to imitate the roaring of the Lion. 

‘‘Your humble servant,” says the Fox, “ if you had held 
your tongue, I might have taken you for a Lion, as others 
did ; but now you bray I know who you are.” 

MORAL. 

A silent man may pass for a wise man, but when we hear 
him speak we are able to form an estimate of his value. 


FABLE XXII. 

JUPITER AND THE FARMER. 

’Tis said, that Jove had once a farm to let. 

And sent down Mercury, his common crier. 
To make the most that he could get ; 

Or sell it to the highest buyer. 


26 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 


To view the premises the people flocked : 

And, as ’tis usual in such case, 

Began to run them down apace ; 

The soil was poor, the farm ill stocked : 

In short, a barren, miserable place. 

Scarce worth th’ expense to draw a lease. 

One bolder, tho’ not wiser than the rest, 
Offered to pay in so much rent, 

Provided he had Jove’s consent 
To guide the weather just as he thought best ; 
Or wet, or dry ; or cold, or hot ; 

Whate’er he asked should be his lot ; 

To all which Jove gave a consenting nod. 

The seasons now obsequious stand. 

Quick to obey their lord’s command, 

And now the Farmer undertakes the god ; 

Now calls for sunshine, now for rains. 
Dispels the clouds, the wind restrains ; 

But still confined within his farm alone, 

He makes a climate all his own ; 

For when he sheds, or when he pours. 
Refreshing dews, or soaking showers, 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


27 


His neighbours never share a drop ; 

So much the better for their crop ; 

Each glebe a plenteous harvest yields ; 

Whilst our director spoils his fields. 

Next year, he tries a different way ; 

New moulds the seasons, and directs again ; 

But all in vain : 

His neighbour’s grounds still thrive while his decay. 

What does he do in this sad plight ? 

For once he acted right : 

He to the god his fate bemoaned. 

Asked pardon, and his folly owned. 

Jove, like a tender master, fond to save. 

His weakness pityed, and his fault forgave. 


MORAL. 

He, who presumes the ways of heaven to scan, 

Is not a wise, nor yet a happy man : 

In this firm truth securely we may rest, — 
Whatever Providence ordains is best ; 

Had man the power, he’d work his own undoing ; 
To grant his will would be to cause his ruin. 


28 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE XXIII. 

THE VAIN JACKDAW. 

A CERTAIN Jackdaw was so proud and ambitious that, 
not contented to live within his own sphere, he picked up the 
feathers which fell from the Peacocks, stuck them among his 
own, and very confidently introduced himself into an assembly 
of those beautiful birds. They soon found him out, stripped 
him of his borrowed plumes, and falling upon him with their 
sharp bills, punished him as his presumption deserved. 

Upon this, full of grief and affliction, he returned to 
his old companions, and would have flocked with them 
again ; but they, knowing his late life and conversation, 
industriously avoided him, and refused to admit him into 
their company ; and one of them, at the same time, gave him 
this serious reproof : “ If, friend, you could have been con- 
tented with your station, and had not disdained the rank 
in which nature had placed you, you had not been used so 
scurvily by those amongst whom you introduced yourself, nor 
suffered the notorious slight which we now think ourselves 
obliged to put upon you.” 


FAVOURIJE FABLES, 


29 


MORAL. 

Great evils arise from vanity ; for when we try to place 
ourselves in a position for which we are not fit, we are liable 
to be laughed at, and, when we would return to our former 
state, we find we have lost the esteem of our former friends. 


. FABLE XXIV. 

THE VIPER AND THE FILE. 

A Viper, crawling into a smith’s shop to seek for some- 
thing to eat, cast her eyes upon a File, and darting upon it 
in a moment, “Now I have you,” said she, “and so you 
may help yourself how you can ; but you may take my word 
for it that I shall make a fine meal of you before I think of 
parting with you.” “ Silly wretch !” said the File, as gruff 
as could be, “ you had much better be quiet, and let me 
alone ; for, if you gnaw for ever, you will get nothing but 
your trouble for your pains. Make a meal of me. Indeed ! 
why, I myself can bite the hardest iron in the shop ; and if 
you go on with your foolish nibbling I shall tear all the teeth 
out of your spiteful head before you know where you are.” 

MORAL. 

Take care that you never strive with those who are too 
strong for you, nor do spiteful things, lest you suffer for it. 


30 


FAVOURITE EARLES. 


FABLE XXV. 

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. 

One hot, sultry day, a Wolf and a Lamb happened to 
come just at the same time to quench their thirst in the 
stream of a clear, silver brook, that ran tumbling down the 
side of a rocky mountain. The Wolf stood upon the higher 
ground, and the Lamb at some distance from him down the 
current. However, the Wolf, having a mind to pick a 
quarrel with him, asked him what he meant by disturbing 
the water, and making it so muddy that he could not drink, 
and at the same time demanded satisfaction. The Lamb, 
frightened at this threatening charge, told him, in a tone as 
mild as possible, that, with humble submission, he could not 
conceive how that could be, since the water which he drank 
ran down from the Wolf to him, and therefore it could not be 
disturbed so far up the stream. “ Be that as it will,^’ replies 
the Wolf, “ you are a rascal ; and I have been told that you 
treated me with ill -language behind my back about half a 
year ago.” “Upon my word,” says the Lamb, “the time 
you mention was before I was born. The Wolf finding it to 
no purpose to argue any longer against truth, fell into a 
great passion, snarling and foaming at the mouth, as if he 



THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. 










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FAVOURITE FABLES. 


31 


had been mad ; and, drawing nearer to the Lamb, ‘‘ Sirrah,” 
said he, ‘‘ if it was not you, it was your father, and that’s all 
one.” So he seized the poor innocent, helpless thing, tore 
it to pieces, and made a meal of it. 


MORAL. 

Bad men, who wish to quarrel, will always find a pretence ; 
if they can find no true grounds, they will resort to those 
which are false. 


FABLE XXVL 

THE OLD BULLFINCH AND YOUNG BIRDS. 

It chanced, that, on a winter’s day. 

But warm and bright, and calm as May, 
The birds, conceiving a design 
To forestall sweet St. Valentine, 

In many an orchard, copse, and grove. 
Assembled on affairs of love ; 

And with much twitter and much chatter. 
Began to agitate the matter. 


32 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


At length, a Bullfinch, who could boast 
More years and wisdom than the most, 
Entreated, opening wide his beak, 

A moment’ s liberty to speak ; 

And, silence publicly enjoined, 

Delivered briefly thus his mind : 

“ My friends, be cautious how ye treat 
The subject upon which we meet ; 

I fear we shall have winter yet.” 

A Finch, whose tongue knew no control. 
With golden wing, and satin poll, 

A last year’s bird, who ne’er had tried 
What marriage means, thus pert replied : 

Methinks, the gentleman,” quoth she, 

“ Opposite, in the apple-tree. 

By his good will, would keep us single, 

’Till yonder heaven and earth shall mingle; 
Or (which is likelier to befall) 

’Till death exterminate us all. 

I marry without more ado ; 

My dear Dick Redcap, what say you?” 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


33 


Dick heard ; and tweedling, ogling, bridling, 
Turning short round, strutting, and sidling, 
Attested glad his approbation 
Of an immediate conjugation. 

Their sentiments so well express’d. 

Influenced mightily the rest ; 

All pair’d, and each pair built a nest. 

But though the birds were thus in haste. 

The leaves came on not quite so fast ; 

And destiny, that sometimes bears 
An aspect stern on man’s affairs. 

Not altogether smil’d on theirs. 

The wind, that late breath’d gently forth. 

Now shifted east, and east by north ; 

Bare trees and shrubs but ill, you know. 

Could shelter them from rain or snow ; 

Stepping into their nests, they paddled. 
Themselves were chill’d, their eggs were addled; 
Soon every father bird, and mother. 

Grew quarrelsome, and peck’d each other; 
Parted without the least regret. 

Except that they had ever met ; 

And learn’ d in future to be wiser 
Than to neglect a good adviser. 


D 


34 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


MORAL. 

Young folks, who think themselves so wise, 
That old folks’ counsel they despise. 

Will find, when they too late repent. 

Their folly prove their punishment. 


FABLE XXVII. 

THE MOUSE AND THE AVEASEL. 

A LITTLE Starveling rogue of a Mouse had, with much 
pushing application, made his way through a small hole in a 
corn-basket, where he stuffed and crammed so plentifully, 
that, when he would have retired the way he came, he found 
himself too plump, with all his endeavours, to accomplish it. 
A Weasel, who stood at some distance, and had been divert- 
ing himself with beholding the vain efforts of the little fat 
thing, called to him, and said, ‘‘ Harkee, honest friend; if 
you have a mind to make your escape, there is but one way 
for it : contrive to grow as poor and lean as you were when 
you entered, and then, perhaps, you may get off.” 

MORAL. 

If evil habits have got a man into difficulties, there is no 
surer way to extricate himself than, by God’s help, to cast 
those habits off. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


35 


FABLE XXVIII. 

THE OLD HOUND. 

An old Hound, who had been an excellent good one in 
his time, and given his master great sport and satisfaction in 
many a chase, at last, by the effect of years, became feeble 
and unserviceable. 

However, being in the field one day when the Stag was 
almost run down, he happened to be the first that came in 
with him, and seized him by one of his haunches ; but his 
decayed and broken teeth not being able to keep their hold, 
the deer escaped and threw him quite out. Upon which his 
master, being in a great passion, and going to strike him, 
the honest old creature is said to have barked out this 
apology. ‘‘Ah! do not strike your poor old servant; it is 
not my heart and inclination, but my strength and speed that 
fail me. If what I now am displeases you, pray don’t forget 
what I have been.” 


MORAL. 


Past services should never be forgotten. 


3 ^ 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XXIX. 

THE CHARGER AND THE ASS 

The Horse, adorned with his great war-saddle, and champ- 
ing his foaming bridle, came thundering along the way, and 
made the mountains echo with his loud, shrill neighing. He 
had not gone far before he overtook an Ass, who was labour- 
ing under a heavy burthen, and moving slowly on in the 
same track with himself. Immediately he called out to him, 
in a haughty, imperious tone, and threatened to trample 
him in the dirt, if he did not make way for him. The poor, 
patient Ass, not daring to dispute the matter, quietly got out 
of his way as fast as he could, and let him go by. Not long 
after this, the same Horse, in an engagement with the enemy, 
happened to be shot in the eye, which made him unfit for 
show or any military business ; so he was stript of his fine 
ornaments, and sold to a carrier. The Ass, meeting him in 
this forlorn condition, thought that now it was his time to 
speak; and so, says he, ‘‘Heyday, friend, is it you? Well, 
I always believed that pride of yours would one day have a 
fall.” 

MORAL. 

Pride and haughtiness are foreign to really great men. 
Those who show it, when in their high estate, if the wheel of 
fortune should change, instead of friendship or pity, will meet 
with nothing but contempt. 



THE CHARGER AND THE ASS, 





FA VO URITE FABLES. 


37 


FABLE XXX. 

THE COLT AND THE FARMER. 

A COLT, for blood and mettled speed, 

The choicest of the running- breed. 

Of youthful strength and beauty vain. 

Refused subjection to the rein. 

In vain the groom’s officious skill 
Opposed his pride, and checked his will ; 

In vain the master’s forming care 
Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer : 
Of freedom proud, and scorning man. 

Wild o’er the spacious plain he ran. 

Where’er luxuriant Nature spread 
Her flowery carpet o’er the mead. 

Or bubbling streams soft gliding pass 
To cool and freshen up the grass. 

Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade, 

And wantoned in the spoil he made. 




FAVOURITE FABLES. 


In plenty thus the summer passed ; 
Revolving winter came at last : 

The trees no more a shelter yield ; 

The verdure withers from the field : 
Perpetual snows invest the ground ; 

In icy chains the streams are bound : 

Cold, nipping winds, and rattling hail. 

His lank, unsheltered sides assail. 

As round he cast his rueful eyes, 

He saw the thatched-roof cottage rise : 

The prospect touched his heart with cheer. 
And promised kind deliverance near. 

A stable, erst his scorn and hate. 

Was now become his wished retreat ; 

His passion cool, his pride forgot, 

A Farmer’s welcome yard he sought. 

The master saw his woful plight. 

His limbs, that tottered with his weight. 
And, friendly, to the stable led. 

And saw him littered, dressed, and fed. 

In slothful ease all night he lay ; 

The servants rose at break of day ; 

The market calls. Along the road 
His back must bear the pond’rous load ; 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


29 


In vain he struggles or complains, 
Incessant blows reward his pains. 
To-morrow varies but his toil : 

Chained to the plough, he breaks the soil ; 
While scanty meals at night repay 
The painful labours of the day. 

Subdued by toil, with anguish rent. 

His self-upbraidings found a vent. 

‘‘ Wretch that I am !’’ he sighing said, 

“ By arrogance and folly led ; 

Had but my restive youth been brought 
To learn the lesson nature taught. 

Then had I, like my sires of yore. 

The prize from every courser bore. 

Now, lasting servitude’s my lot. 

My birth contemned, my speed forgot ; 
Doomed am I, for my pride, to bear 
A living death from year to year.” 


MORAL. 

He who disdains control, will only gain 
A youth of pleasure for an age of pain. 


40 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XXXI. 

THE LARK AND HER YOUNG ONES. 

A Lark, who had young ones in a field of corn almost 
ripe, was under some fear lest the reapers should come to 
reap it before her young brood was fledged and able to 
remove from that place. She, therefore, upon flying abroad 
to look for food, left this charge with them — to take notice 
what they heard talked of in her absence, and tell her of it 
when she came back again. 

When she was gone, they heard the owner of the corn 
call to his son : “Well,” says he, “I think this corn is ripe 
enough. I would have you go early to-morrow, and desire 
our friends and neighbours to come and help us to reap it.” 
When the old Lark came home, the young ones fell a quiver- 
ing and chirping round her, and told her what had happened, 
begging her to remove them as fast as she could. The 
mother bid them be easy: “For,” said she, “if the owner 
depends on his friends and neighbours, I am pretty sure the 
corn wilLnot be reaped to-morrow.” 

Next day, she went out again, leaving the same orders as 
before. The owner came, and staid, expecting his friends ; 
but the sun grew hot, and nothing was done, for not a soul 
came to help them. Then says he to his son, “ I perceive 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


4 ^ 


these friends of ours are not to be depended upon ; so you 
must go to your uncles and cousins, and tell them I desire 
they would be here betimes to-morrow morning, to help us 
to reap.’’ Well, this the young ones, in a great fright, 
reported also to their mother. “ If that be all,” says she, 
“do not be frightened, dear children; for kindred and rela- 
tions are not so very forward to serve one another ; but take 
particular notice what you hear said next time, and be sure 
you let me know it.” 

She went abroad next day, as usual ; and the owner, 
finding his relations as slack as the rest of his neighbours, 
said to his son, “ Harkee, George ; get a couple of good 
sickles ready against to-morrow morning, and we will even 
reap the corn ourselves.” When the young ones told their 
mother this, “Then,” said she, “we must be gone indeed; 
for, when a man undertakes to do his business himself, it is 
not so likely he will be disappointed.” So she removed her 
young ones at once, and the corn was reaped next day by 
the good man and his son. 


MORAL. 

Never depend on the assistance of others. No business 
is so sure to be done as that which a man sets about doing 
himself. 


42 


FAVOVRITE FABLES. 


FABLE XXXII. 

THE FOX AND THE CROW. 

A Crow, having* taken a piece of cheese out of a cottag’e 
window, flew up with it into a hig’h tree in order to eat it , 
which the Fox observing", came and sat underneath, and 
began to compliment the Crow upon the subject of her 
beauty. “I protest,” says he, ‘‘I never observed it before, 
but your feathers are of a more delicate white than any that 
ever I saw in my life ! Ah ! what a fine shape and g’raceful 
turn of body is there ! And I make no question but you 
have a tolerable voice. If it is but as fine as your com- 
plexion, I do not know a bird that can pretend to stand in 
competition with you.” The Crow foolishly believed all that 
the Fox said was true ; but, thinking the Fox a little dubious 
as to her vocal powers, and having a mind to set him right 
in that matter, opened her mouth, and, in the same instant, 
let the cheese drop out of her mouth. This being what the 
Fox wanted, he caught it up in a moment, and trotted away, 
laughing to himself at the easy credulity of the Crow. 

AlORAL. 

When anyone is flattered as possessing qualities he ought 
to feel conscious he does not possess, let him beware lest the 
flatterers wish either to deprive him of some solid good, or to 
make him appear ridiculous in the eyes of others. 
















THE FOX AND THE CROW 











FAV0URI7E FABLES. 


43 


FABLE XXXIII. 

THE peacock’s COMPLAINT. 

The Peacock presented a memorial to Juno, importing 
how hardly he thought he was used, in not having so good a 
voice as the Nightingale ; how that bird was agreeable to 
every ear that heard it, while he was laughed at for his ugly, 
screaming noise, if he did but open his mouth. 

The goddess, concerned at the uneasiness of her favourite 
bird, answered him very kindly to this purpose : — ‘‘ If the 
Nightingale is blest with a fine voice, you have the advan- 
tage in point of beauty and size.” “Ah!” says he, “but 
what avails my silent, unmeaning beauty, when I am so far 
excelled in voice?” 

The goddess dismissed him, bidding him consider that 
the properties of every creature were appointed by the decree 
of Fate ; to him beauty, to the Eagle strength, to the Night- 
ingale a voice of melody, to the Parrot the faculty of speech, 
and to the Dove innocence ; that each of these was contented 
with his own peculiar quality ; and, unless he wished to be 
miserable, he must also learn to be equally satisfied. 


44 


FA VO URITE FABLES, 


MORAL. 

The man who to his lot’s resigned 
True happiness is sure to find ; 
While envy ne’er can mend the ill, 
But makes us feel it keener still. 


FABLE XXXIV. 

THE STAG IN THE OX- STALL. 

A Stag, roused from his thick covert in the midst of the 
forest, and driven hard by the hounds, made towards a farm- 
house, and, seeing the door of an ox-stall open, entered 
therein, and hid himself under a heap of straw. One of the 
oxen, turning his head about, asked him what he meant by 
venturing himself in such a place, where he was sure to meet 
his doom. “Ah!” said the Stag, “if you will but be so 
good as to favour me with your concealment, I hope I shall 
do well enough ; I intend to make off again the first 
opportunity.” 

Well, he stayed there till towards night ; in came the 
ox-man with a bundle of fodder, and never saw him. In 
short, all the servants of the farm came and went, and not 
one of them suspected anything of the matter. Nay, the 
bailiff himself came, according to form, and looked in, but 
walked away, no wiser than the rest. Upon this the Stag, 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


45 


ready to jump out of his skin for joy, began to return thanks 
to the good-natured Oxen, protesting that they were the 
most obliging people he had ever met with in his life. 

After he had done his compliments, one of them answered 
him, gravely, ‘‘ Indeed, we desire nothing more than to have 
it in our power to contribute to your escape, but there is a 
certain person you little think of who has a hundred eyes ; if 
he should happen to come, I would not give this straw for 
your life.” 

In the meanwhile, home comes the master himself from a 
neighbour’s, where he had been invited to dinner ; and, 
because he had observed the cattle not look well of late, he 
went up to the rack, and asked why they did not give them 
more fodder ; then, casting his eyes downward, Heydey !” 
says he, ‘‘why so sparing of your litter? pray scatter a little 

more here. And these cobwebs But I have spoken so 

often that, unless I do it myself ” Thus, as he went on, 

prying into everything, he chanced to look where the Stag’s 
horns lay sticking out of the straw ; upon which he raised a 
hue and cry, called his people about him, killed the Stag, and 
made a prize of him. 


MORAL. 

For a work to be done thoroughly, it ought to be done by 
oneself ; the eye of a master is keener than that of a servant. 


46 


favourite fables. 


FABLE XXXV. 

4 

THE WIND AND THE SUN. 

A DISPUTE oncG arose betwixt the North Wind and the 
Sun about the superiority of their power ; and they agreed 
to try their strength upon a traveller, which should be able to 
get off his cloak first. 

The North Wind began, and blew a very cold blast, 
accompanied with a sharp, driving shower. But this, and 
whatever else he could do, instead of making the man quit 
his cloak, obliged him to gird it about his body as close as 
possible. 

Next came the Sun, who, breaking out from the thick, 
watery cloud, drove away the cold vapours from the sky, and 
darted his warm, sultry beams upon the head of the poor 
weather-beaten traveller. The man, growing faint with the 
heat, and unable to endure it any longer, first throws off his 
heavy cloak, and then flies for protection to the shade of a 
neighbouring grove. 


MORAL. 

Soft and gentle means will often accomplish what force 
and fury can never effect. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


47 


FABLE XXXVI. 

THE TRAVELLERS AND THE BEAR. 

Two men, being about to travel through a forest together, 
mutually promised to stand by each other in any danger they 
should meet on the way. They had not gone far when a 
Bear came rushing towards them out of a thicket; upon 
which, one, being a light, nimble fellow, got up into a tree. 
The other, falling flat upon his face, and holding his breath, 
lay still, while the Bear came up and smelled at him ; but 
that creature, supposing him to be a dead carcass, went back 
to the wood without doing him the least harm. When all 
was over, the man who had climbed the tree came down 
to his companion, and, with a pleasant smile, asked what 
the Bear had said to him; “ For,” says he, ‘‘I took notice 
that he clapped his mouth very close to your ear.” ‘‘ Why,” 
replied the other, ‘‘ he charged me to take care, for the 
future, not to put any confidence in such cowardly rascals as 
you are.” 

MORAL. 

Nothing is more common than to hear people profess 
friendship when there is no occasion for it ; but he is a true 
friend who is ready to assist us in the time of danger and 
difficulty. Choose, therefore, friends whom you can depend 
on for such a time, and greatly value them. 


48 


FA VO URITE FABLES 


FABLE XXXVIL 

THE DOG AND THE SHADOW. 

A DOG, crossing a small rivulet, with a piece of flesh in his 
mouth, which he had stolen from a butcher’s shop, saw his own 
shadow represented in the clear mirror of the limpid stream ; 
and, believing it to be another dog who was carrying another 
piece of flesh, he could not forbear catching at it, but was so 
far from getting anything by his greedy design, that he 
dropped the piece he had in his mouth, which immediately 
sank to the bottom, and was irrecoverably lost. 


MORAL. 

It is the just punishment of greediness to lose the 
substance by grasping at the shadow; while the man who 
would take what does not belong to him deserves to lose 
what he has. 



THE DOG AND THE SHADOW, 




FAVOURITE FABLES. 


49 


FABLE XXXVIII. 

THE HERMIT AND THE BEAR. 

Once on a time, a mountain Bear 
Lived in a forest drear, with no Bears near him ; 
Fat, fierce, and sulky. 

Nor man nor other beast approached his lair; 

His neighbours all despise, or hate, or fear him. 

’Tis good to talk — to hold one’s tongue — 
Though either in excess be wrong : 

Our hermit bulky. 

So shaggy, sullen, taciturn, and rude. 

Bear as he was, grew sick of solitude. 

At the same time, by chance, retired 
Far from the world, a man advanced in age. 

But stout and healthy. 

Not with devotion’s flame his heart was fired ; 

Not prayer and fasting occupied the sage ; 

Though on mankind he shut his door. 

No vows of poverty he swore : 

The wight was wealthy. 

But by some treacherous friend, or fair, betrayed. 
He lived with plants, and communed with his spade. 

E 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


High priest of Flora you might call him ; 

Nor less was he the favourite of Pomona. 

But one day, walking, 

He found it dull ; and should some ill befall him, 

In his sweet paradise, he felt alone, — Ah ! 

For neither rose, nor pink, nor vine. 

Except in such a lay as mine, 

Are given to talking. 

His head old Time had now long years heaped many on 
So he resolved to look for some companion. 

On this important expedition — 

But fearing his researches would be vain — 

The sage departed : 

Revolving deeply his forlorn condition. 

He slowly mused along a narrow lane ; 

When on a sudden — unawares — 

A nose met his : — it was the Bear’s ! 

With fright he started. 

Fear is a common feeling : he that wise is, 

Although his fright be great, his fear disguises. 

Prudence suggested— “ Stand your ground ; 

’Tis hard to turn, and harder still to dash on.’’ 

Prudence prevails. 

’Twixt kindred minds a s}^mpathy is found 
Which lights up oft at sight a tender passion, 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 




Where sexes are of different kind ; 

And oft ’twill ties of friendship bind 
Between two males : 

These magic signs our hermits, at a glance, see : 

Each found he strongly pleased the other’s fancy. 

Bruin at compliments was awkward. 

But was not long his sentiments in telling — 

“ Old man, I like you ! ” 

The man replied, “ Fair sir, you need not walk hard, 
In half an hour you’ll reach my humble dwelling. 

I’ve milk, and various sorts of fruit, 

If any should your palate suit. 

Take what may strike you ; 

On me it will confer the highest pleasure 
To spread before you all my garden’s treasure.” 

On jogged the human Hermit with the Bear, 

Like smoking Germans, few words interlarding ; 
Though little said. 

Finding their tempers suited to a hair, 

They grew firm friends before they reached the garden. 
Each took his task, their moods the same, 

One dug, the other hunted game. 

And often sped ; 


52 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


And Bruin, o’er his friend a strict watch keeping, 
Chased off the flies that haunted him when sleeping. 

One afternoon, as in the sun 
The weary Hermit took his usual nap. 

And at his post 

The faithful Bear his daily work begun. 

Giving full many a brush and gentle slap. 

With a light whisp of herbs sweet-scented. 

And thus the teasing flies prevented. 

That buzzing host. 

From fixing on his sleeping patron’s visage. 

Sunk in the deep repose so fit for his age. 

One blue-bottle his care defied ; 

No place could please him but the old man’s nose. 

Quite unabashed. 

The Bear, provoked, no means would leave untried ; 
At last, a vigorous, certain mode, he chose : 

Extending wide his heavy paw. 

And thrusting hard each crooked claw. 

The fly was smashed : 

But his poor patron’s face, so roughly patted. 

All streamed with blood, and smooth his nose was 
flatted. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


53 


The Bear sneaked off to humble distance, 
Seeing the damage he had done his friend ; 

Who raged with smart. 

But calling in philosophy’s assistance, 

Anger, he thought, his wounds would never mend. 
So coolly said, ‘‘ Farewell, friend Bruin ! 

Since you have laid my face in ruin, 

’Tis time to part.” 


MORAL. 

All those must such mishaps expect to share. 

Who, for a friend, think fit to take a Bear. 

FABLE XXXIX. 

THE shepherd’s BOY AND THE WOLF. 

A CERTAIN Shepherd’s Boy, who kept sheep upon a 
common, in sport and wantonness would often cry out, 
“The Wolf! the Wolf!” By this means, he several times 
drew the husbandmen in an adjoining field from their work ; 
who, finding themselves deluded, resolved for the future to 
take no notice of his alarm. Soon after the Wolf came 
indeed. The boy cried out in earnest ; but no heed being 
given to his cries, the sheep were devoured by the Wolf. 

MORAL. 

The notorious liar, besides the sin of the thing, will not 
be believed when, by chance, he tells the truth. 


54 . 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XL. ’ • 

THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER. 

A Hind was one day stamping with her foot, and bellowing 
so loudly that the whole herd quaked for fear, when one of 
her little Fawns, coming up to her, said, “ Mother, what is the 
reason that you, who are so strong and bold at all other 
times, if you do but hear the cry of the hounds, are so 
afraid of them? ” “ What you say is true,” replied the Hind; 
“ though I know not how to account for it. I am, indeed, 
vigorous and strong enough, and often resolve that nothing 
shall ever dismay my courage ; but, alas ! I no sooner hear 
the voice of a hound than all my spirits fail me, and I cannot 
help making off as fast as my legs can carry me.” 


MORAL. 

When we have done all. Nature will remain what she was. 
There is no arguing a coward into courage. 



THE FAWN AND HER MOTHER 




FAVOURITE FABLES, 


55 


FABLE XLI. 

THE TORTOISE AND THE EAGLE. 

The Tortoise, weary of his condition, by which he was 
confined to creep upon the ground, and being ambitious to 
have a prospect, and look about him, gave out that, if any 
bird would take him up into the air, and show him the world, 
he would reward him with the discovery of many precious 
stones, which he knew were hidden in a certain part of the 
earth. 

The Eagle undertook to do as he desired, and, when he 
had performed his commission, demanded the reward. But, 
finding the Tortoise could not make good his words, he 
stuck his talons into the softer parts of his body, and made 
him a sacrifice to his revenge. 


MORAL. 

He that, to secure an advantage, deceives his friend by 
an untruth, will surely suffer for it when he is detected. 


56 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE XLII. 

THE BROTHER AND SISTER. 

A CERTAIN Man had two children, a Son and a Daughter — 
the Boy handsome enough, the Girl not quite so comely. 
They were both very young, and happened one day to be 
playing near the looking-glass, which stood on their mother’s 
toilet. The Boy, pleased with the novelty of the thing, 
viewed himself for some time, and in a wanton, roguish 
manner observed to the Girl how handsome he was. She 
resented the insult, and ran immediately to her father, and, 
with a great deal of aggravation, complained of her brother, 
particularly for having acted so effeminate a part as to look 
in a glass, and meddle with things which belong to women 
only. The father, embracing them both with much tender- 
ness and affection, told them that he should like to have 
them both look in the glass every day; “To the intent that 
you,” says he to the Boy, “ if you think that face of yours 
handsome, may not disgrace and spoil it by an ugly temper 
and a bad behaviour; and that you, ” added he, addressing 
the Girl, “ may make up for the defects of your person by 
the sweetness of your manners and the excellence of your 
understanding.” 

MORAL. 

A well-informed mind is better than a handsome person. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XLIII. 

THE shepherd’s DOG AND THE WOLF. 

A Wolf, with hunger fierce and bold, 
Ravaged the plains, and thinned the fold ; 
Deep in the wood secure he lay. 

The thefts of night regaled the day. 

In vain the shepherd’s wakeful care 
Had spread the toils, and watched the snare 
In vain the Dog pursued his pace. 

The fleeter robber mocked the chase. 

As Lightfoot ranged the forest round. 

By chance his foe’s retreat he found: 

“ Let us awhile the war suspend. 

And reason as from friend to friend.” 

“ A truce !” replies the Wolf. ’Tis done. 
The Dog the parley thus begun : — 

“ How can that strong, intrepid mind 
Attack a weak, defenceless kind ? 

Those jaws should prey on nobler food. 
And drink the boar’s and lion’s blood; 


58 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


Great souls with generous pity melt, 

Which coward tyrants never felt. 

How harmless is our fleecy care ! 

Be brave, and let thy mercy spare.” 

‘‘Friend,” says the Wolf, “the matter weigh 
Nature designed us beasts of prey ; 

As such, when hunger finds a treat, 

’Tis necessary Wolves should eat. 

If, mindful of the bleating weal. 

Thy bosom burn with real zeal. 

Hence, and thy tyrant lord beseech ; 

To him repeat the moving speech. 

A Wolf eats sheep but now and then ; 

Ten thousands are devoured by men.” 


MORAL. 

An open foe may prove a curse. 
But a pretended friend is worse. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


59 


FABLE XLIV. 

THE COVETOUS MAN. 

A POOR covetous wretch, who had scraped together a 
good parcel of money, went and dug a hole in one of his 
fields and hid it. The great pleasure of his life was to go 
and look upon this treasure once a day at least ; which one 
of his servants observing, and guessing there was something 
more than ordinary in the place, came at night, found it, and 
carried it off. The next day, returning as usual to the scene 
of his delight, and perceiving it had been stolen away from 
him, he tore his hair for grief, and uttered the doleful com- 
plaints of his despair to the woods and meadows. At last, a 
neighbour of his, who knew his temper, overhearing him, 
and being informed of the occasion of his sorrow, ‘‘ Cheer 
up, man!” says he, “thou has lost nothing; there is the hole 
for thee to go and peep at still ; and if thou canst but fancy 
thy money there, it will do just as well. 

MORAL. 

Money, well used, has its full value ; but when allowed to 
lie useless to others or to one’s self, it possesses no more value 
than a heap of oyster shells. Avarice is, therefore, a silly as 
well as a sinful vice. Use your wealth in doing good, and 
its highest value will.be attained. 


6o 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XLV. 

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE. 

A HARE twitted a Tortoise on account of his slowness, 
and vainly boasted of her own great speed in running. “ Let 
us make a match,” replied the Tortoise : “ Fll run with you 
live miles for five pounds, and the Fox yonder shall be the 
umpire of the race.” The Hare agreed, and away they both 
started together. But the Hare, by reason of her exceeding 
swiftness, outran the Tortoise to such a degree that she 
made a jest of the matter, and, finding herself a little tired, 
squatted in a tuft of fern that grew by the way, and took a 
nap, thinking that, if the Tortoise went by, she could at any 
time catch him up with all the ease imaginable. In the 
meanwhile the Tortoise came jogging on, with a slow but 
continued motion ; and the Hare, out of a too great security 
and confidence of victory, oversleeping herself, the Tortoise 
arrived at the end of the race first. 

MORAL. 

Industry and application will, in most cases, do more than 
quick and ready wit. The highest genius, without industry, 
will generally fail of any great exploit. 



THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE 










J^A FO URITE FABLES. 


6l 


FABLE XLVI. 

THE HOG AND THE ACORNS. 

One moonshiny night, 

With a great appetite, 

A Hog feasted on Acorns with all his might : 

Quite pleased with his prize 
Both in taste and in size. 

While he ate he devoured the rest with his eyes. 

You know, Fm in joke. 

When I say that the oak. 

Moved a I'oug/i to the grunter before she spoke ; 

But you know, too, in fable. 

We feel ourselves able 

To make anything speak — tree, flower, or table. 

Said the Oak, looking big, 

‘‘ I think, Mr. Pig, 

You might thank me for sending you fruit from my twig ; 
But, you ill-behaved Hog ! 

You devour the prog. 

And have no better manners, I think, than a dog.” 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 

He replied, looking up, 

Though not ceasing to sup, 

Till the Acorns were eaten— ay, every cup— 

I acknowledge, to you 
My thanks would be due, 

If from feelings of kindness my supper you threw. 

‘‘ To-morrow, good dame. 

Give my children the same. 

And then you, with justice, may gratitude claim.” 


MORAL. 

He merits no praise 
To the end of his days. 

Who to those who surround him no service conveys. 


FABLE XLVII. 

THE COUNTRY MOUSE AND THE CITY MOUSE. 

An honest, plain, sensible country Mouse is said to have 
entertained at his hole one day a fine Mouse of the town. 
Having formerly been playfellows together, they were old 
acquaintances, which served as an apology for the visit. 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


63 

However, as master of the house, he thought himself obliged 
to do the honours of it, in all respects, and to make as great 
a stranger of his guest as he possibly could. In order to 
this, he set before him a reserve of delicate grey pease and 
bacon, a dish of fine oatmeal, some parings of new cheese, 
and, to crown all with a dessert, a remnant of a charming 
mellow apple. 

In good manners, he forebore to eat any of it himself, lest 
the stranger should not have enough; but, that he might 
seem to bear the other company, sat and nibbled a piece of 
wheaten straw very busily. At last, says the spark of the 
town, “ Old croney, give me leave to be a little free with 
you. How can you bear to live in this nasty, dirty, melan- 
choly hole here, with nothing but woods and meadows, 
mountains and rivulets about you ? Do you not prefer the 
busy world to the chirping of birds, and the splendour of a 
court to the rude aspect of an uncultivated desert ? Come, 
take my word for it, you will find it a change for the better. 
Stand not considering, but away this moment. Remember, 
we are not immortal, and therefore have no time to lose. 
Make sure of to-day, and spend it as agreeably as you can ; 
you know not what may happen to-morrow.” 

In short, these and such like arguments prevailed, and 
his country friend was resolved to go to town that night. 
So they both set out upon their journey, proposing to sneak 


64 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


in after the close of the evening. They did so, and about 
midnight made their entry into a certain great house, where 
there had been an extraordinary entertainment the day 
before, and several tit-bits, which some of the servants had 
purloined, were hid under a seat of a window. The country 
guest was immediately placed in the midst of a rich Persian 
carpet; and now it was the courtier’s turn to entertain, who, 
indeed, acquitted himself in that capacity with the utmost 
readiness and address, changing the courses as elegantly, 
and tasting everything first as judiciously, as any clerk of the 
kitchen. The other sat and enjoyed himself like a delighted 
epicure, tickled to the last degree with this new turn of his 
affairs ; when, on a sudden, a noise of somebody opening the 
door made them start from their seats and scuttle in con- 
fusion about the dining-room. Our country friend, in par- 
ticular, was ready to die with fear at the barking of a huge 
Mastiff or two, which opened their throats just about the 
same time, and made the whole house echo. 

At last, recovering himself, “Well,” says he, “if this be 
your town life, much good may you do with it ; give me my 
poor, quiet hole again, with my homely but comfortable 
grey pease.” 


MORAL. 


Poverty and safety are preferable to luxury and danger. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


65 


FABLE XLVIIL 

THE CAT AND THE MICE. 

A CERTAIN house was much infested with Mice ; but at 
last they got a Cat, who caught and ate every day some of 
them. The Mice, finding their numbers grow thin, consulted 
what was best to be done for the preservation of the public 
from the jaws of the devouring Cat. They debated and 
came to this resolution; that no one should go down below 
the upper shelf. 

The Cat, observing the Mice no longer came down as 
usual, hungry and disappointed of her prey, had recourse to 
this stratagem : — She hung by her hind legs on a peg which 
stuck in the wall, and made as if she had been dead, hoping 
by this lure to entice the Mice to come down. She had not 
been in this posture long before a cunning old Mouse peeped 
over the edge of the shelf, and spoke thus : — ‘‘ Ha*! ha I my 
good friend, are you there ? There you may be I I would 
not trust myself with you, though your skin were stuffed with 
straw.” 

MORAL. 

They that are wise will never trust those a second time 
who have deceived them once. 


F 


66 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XLIX. 

THE KID AND THE WOLF. 

A Kid, being mounted upon the roof of a lofty shed, and 
seeing a Wolf below, loaded him with all manner of re- 
proaches. Upon which, the Wolf, looking up, replied, ‘‘ Do 
not vaunt yourself, vain creature, and think you mortify me ; 
for I look upon this ill language as not coming from you, 
but from the place that protects you.” 

MORAL. 

To rail or give bad language is wrong at all times ; but 
when a man is protected by circumstances, it is cowardly, as 
well as wrong. The man who then uses it becomes a fit 
object of contempt to him that he reviles. 


FABLE L. 

THE COUNCIL OF HORSES. 

Upon a time, a neighing Steed, 

Who grazed among a numerous breed. 
With mutiny had fired the train. 

And spread dissension through the plain. 



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THE KID AND THE WOLF 


!ii n;n)i lUi 










FAVOURITE FABLES. 


On matters that concerned the state 
The council met in grand debate. 

A Colt, whose eye-balls flamed with ire, 
Elate with strength and youthful fire. 

In haste stepped forth before the rest. 

And thus the listening throng addressed: — 

‘‘ Good gods ! how abject is our race ! 
Condemned to slavery and disgrace ! 

Shall we our servitude retain. 

Because our sires have borne the chain ? 
Consider, friends, your strength and might ; 
’Tis conquest to assert your right. 

How cumberous is the gilded coach ! 

The pride of man is our reproach. 

Were we designed for daily toil. 

To drag the ploughshare through the soil ; 
To sweat in harness through the road; 

To groan beneath the carrier’s load? 

How feeble are the two-legged kind ! 

What force is in our nerves combined ! 
Shall, then, our nobler jaws submit 
To foam and champ the galling bit ? 

Shall haughty men my back bestride ? 

Shall the sharp spur provoke my side ? 


68 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


Forbid it, heavens ! reject the rein, 

Your shame, your infamy disdain. 

Let him the Lion first control. 

And still the Tiger’s famished growl ! 

Let us, like them, our freedom claim ; 

And make him tremble at our name.” 

A general nod approved the cause. 

And all the circle neighed applause ; 

When, lo ! with grave and solemn pace, 

A Steed advanced before the race, 

With age and long experience wise ; 

Around he casts his thoughtful eyes. 

And, to the murmurs of the train. 

Thus spoke the Nestor of the plain : — 

“ When I had health and strength, like you, 
The toils of servitude I knew. 

Now, grateful man rewards my pains. 

And gives me all these wide domains. 

At will I crop the year’s increase ; 

My latter life is rest and peace. 

I grant, to man we lend our pains, . 

And aid him to correct the plains. 

But doth not he divide the care. 

Through all the labours of the year ? 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


69 


How many thousand structures rise, 

To fence us from inclement skies ! 

For us he bears the sultry day, 

And stores up all our winter’s hay. 

He sows, he reaps the harvest gain ; 

We share the toil, and share the grain.” 

The tumult ceased. The Colt submitted ; 
And, like his ancestors, was bitted. 


MORAL. 

Since every creature is decreed 
To aid each other’s mutual need; 
Submit with a contented mind 
To act the part by heaven assigned. 


FABLE LI. 

THE ASS AND THE LITTLE DOG. 

The Ass, observing how great a favourite a little Dog 
was with his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and 
fed with good bits at every meal, and for no other reason, as 


70 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


he could perceive, but skipping and frisking about, wagging 
his tail, and leaping up in his master’s lap, was resolved 
to imitate the same, and see whether such behaviour would 
not procure him the same favours. Accordingly, the master 
was no sooner come home from walking about his fields and 
gardens, and was seated in his easy chair, than the Ass, who 
observed him, came gamboling and braying towards him, in 
a very awkward manner. The master could not help laughing 
aloud at the odd sight. But the jest soon became earnest, 
when he felt the rough salute of the fore-feet, as the Ass, 
raising himself upon his hinder legs, pawed against his 
breast with a most loving air, and would fain have jumped 
into his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous 
conduct, and unable to endure the weight of so heavy a 
beast, cried out ; upon which one of his servants, running 
in with a good stick, and laying heartily upon the bones 
of the poor Ass, soon convinced him that everyone who 
desires it is not qualified to be a favourite. 


MORAL. 

All men have not the same gifts of pleasing. It will be 
well, therefore, to keep in our own place ; and, in that con- 
dition of life, to do our duty. By which we shall be most 
likely to give satisfaction. 


FAVOUI^ITE FABLES, 


FABLE LIE 

THE LION AND THE FOUR BULLS. 

Four Bulls, which had entered into a very strict friendship, 
kept always near one another, and fed together. The Lion 
often saw them, and as often wished to make one of them his 
prey ; but though he could easily have subdued any of them 
singly, yet he was afraid to attack the whole when together, 
knowing they would have been too hard for him ; and, there- 
fore, contented himself for the present with keeping at a 
distance. At last, perceiving no attempt was to be made 
upon them as long as their combination lasted, he took occa- 
sion, by whispers and hints, to foment jealousies and raise 
divisions among them. 

This stratagem succeeded so well, that the Bulls grew 
cold and reserved towards one another, which soon after 
ripened into a downright hatred and aversion, and, at last, 
ended in a total separation. The Lion had now obtained his 
ends; and, as impossible as it was for him to hurt them 
while they were united, he found no difficulty, now they were 
parted, to seize and devour every Bull of them, one after 
another. 

MORAL. 

Union is strength. Jealousy and envy, especially when 
fomented by whisperers, will destroy gradually the ties that 
make us safe against enemies. 


72 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LIII. 

THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX. 

The Leopard one day took it into his head to value himself 
upon the great variety and beauty of his spots ; and, truly, 
he saw no reason why even the lion should take place of him, 
since he could not show so beautiful a skin. As for the rest 
of the wild beasts of the forests, he treated them all, without 
distinction, in the most haughty and disdainful manner. 
But the Fox, being among them, went up to him with a great 
deal of spirit and resolution, and told him that he was mis- 
taken in the value he was pleased to set upon himself, since 
people of judgment were not used to form their ophiion of 
merit from an outside appearance, but by considering the 
good qualities and endowments with which the mind was 
stored within. 

MORAL. 

Haughty beauty is an ungraceful thing. True beauty is 
always found in a setting of modesty, and then only appears 
the bright jewel that it is. 


(? 



THE LEOPARD AND THE FOX 







74 


FA VOURITE FABLES, 


Let history tell 

How your old father fell ; 

And see if the narrative sounds as well. 

Your folly surpasses, 

Of monkeys all classes ; 

The beasts which he frightened, or conquered, were asses. 
Except a few sheep, 

When the shepherd, asleep. 

The dog by his side for safety did keep. 

Your father fell back. 

Knocked down by a whack 
From the very first bull that he dared to attack. 

Away he’d have scoured. 

But soon overpowered. 

He lived like a thief, and he died like a coward.” 


FABLE LV. 

THE BELLY AND THE MEMBERS. 

In former days, when the Belly and the other parts of the 
body enjoyed the faculty of speech, and had separate views 
and designs of their own ; each part, it seems, in particular, 
for himself, and in the name of the whole, took exception at 


J^A VO URITE FABLES. 


IS 

the conduct of the Belly, and were resolved to grant him 
supplies no longer. 

They said they thought it very hard that he should lead 
an idle, good-for-nothing life, spending and squandering 
away upon his own vile appetites all the fruits of their labour; 
and that, in short, they were resolved for the future to strike 
off his allowance, and let him shift for himself as well as he 
could. 

The hands protested they would not lift a finger to keep 
him from starving; and the mouth wished he might never 
speak again if he took in the least bit of nourishment for him 
as long as he lived ; and the teeth said, “ May we be rotten 
if ever we chew a morsel for him for the future ! ’ ’ This 
solemn league and covenant was kept so long, until each of 
the rebel members pined away to the skin and bone, and 
could hold out no longer. Then they found there was no 
doing without the Belly, and that, as idle and insignificant 
as he seemed, he contributed as much to the maintenance 
and welfare of all the other parts as they did to his. 


MORAL. 

Men are dependent upon their fellow-creatures, and it is 
foolish to expect we can do without the help of others. 


76 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 


FABLE LVI. 

THE CUR, THE HORSE, AND THE SHEPHERD’ S DOG. 

A Village Cur, of snappish race, 

The pertest puppy in the place. 

Imagined that his treble throat 

Was blessed with music’s sweetest note ; 

In the mid road he basking lay. 

The yelping nuisance of the way ; 

For not a creature passed along. 

But had a sample of his song. 

Soon as the trotting steed he hears. 

He starts, he cocks his dapper ears ; 

Away he scours, assaults his hoof ; 

Now near him snarls, now barks aloof ; 

With shrill impertinence attends ; 

Nor leaves him till the village ends. 

It chanced, upon his evil day, 

A Pad came pacing down the way ; 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


77 


The Cur, with never-ceasing tongue, 

Upon the passing traveller sprung. 

The Horse, from scorn provoked to ire. 
Flung backward ; rolling in the mire. 

The Puppy howled, and bleeding lay ; 

The Pad in peace pursued his way. 

A Shepherd’s Dog, who saw the deed. 
Detesting the vexatious breed. 

Bespoke him thus : ‘‘ When coxcombs prate. 
They kindle wrath, contempt, or hate ; 

Thy teasing tongue, had judgment tied. 
Thou hadst not like a Puppy died.” 


MORAL. 

Too late the forward youth will find 
That jokes are sometimes paid in kind ; 
Or, if they canker in the breast, 

He makes a foe who makes a jest. 


78 


FAVOURITE FA BEES. 


FABLE LVIL 

THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE. 

An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and 
settled upon the back of a lamb, and then, instantly flying up 
into the air again, bore his bleating prize aloft in his talons, 
A Jackdaw, who sat upon an elm, and beheld his exploit, 
resolved to imitate it. So, flying upon the back of a ram, 
and entangling his claws in the wool, he fell a-chattering and 
attempting to fly ; by which means he drew the observation 
of the shepherd upon him, who, finding his feet hampered in 
the fleece of the ram, easily took him, and gave him to his 
boys for their sport and diversion, saying, ‘‘The silly bird 
thought he was an Eagle ; but, no doubt, by this time he has 
found out he is but a Jackdaw.” 


MORAL. 


A false estimate of our own abilities ever exposes us to 
ridicule, and often to danger. 



THE JACKDAW AND THE EAGLE 









FAVOURITE FABLES. 


79 


FABLE LVIIL 

THE ASS AND THE LION HUNTING. 

The Lion took a fancy to hunt in company with the Ass ; 
and, to make him the more useful, gave him instructions 
to hide himself in a thicket, and then to bray in the most 
frightful manner that he could possibly contrive. ‘‘ By this 
means,” says he, ‘‘you will rouse all the beasts within 
hearing of you, while I stand at the outlets and take 
them as they are making off.” This was done; and the 
stratagem took effect accordingly. The Ass brayed most 
hideously, and the timorous beasts, not knowing what to 
make of it, began to scour off as fast as they could; when 
the Lion, who was posted at a convenient place, seized and 
devoured them as he pleased. 

Having got his belly full, he called out to the Ass, and 
bid him leave off braying, as he had had enough. Upon 
this the lop-eared brute came out of his ambush, and, 
approaching the Lion, asked him, with an air of conceit, 
“ how he liked his performance.” “ Prodigiously,” says he; 
“you did it so well, that I protest, had I not known your 
nature and temper, I might have been frightened myself.” 


8o 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


MORAL. 

Boastful cowards may impose upon those who do not 
know them, but are held to be only ridiculous by those who 
do. Pompous persons who would wish themselves thought 
perfect Lions, when known are mostly found arrant Asses. 

FABLE LIX. 

THE WOLF IN SHEEP’s CLOTHING. 

A Wolf clothing himself in the skin of a Sheep, and 
getting in among the flock, by this means took the oppor- 
tunity to devour many of them. At last, the Shepherd 
discovered him, and cunningly fastened a rope about his 
neck, tying him up to a tree which stood hard by. 

Some other Shepherds happening to pass that way, and 
observing what he was about, drew near, and expressed their 
wonder at it. “What,” says one of them, “Brother, do 
you hang Sheep?” “No,” replies the other; “I hang a 
Wolf whenever I catch him, though in the habit and garb of 
Sheep.” Then he showed them their mistake, and they 
applauded the justice of the execution. 

MORAL. 

Those who try to seem what they are not will not always 
thereby escape the punishment of what they are. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


8i 


FABLE LX. 

THETWOBEES. 

f. ’ 

On a fine morning in May, two Bees set forward in quest 
of honey; the one, wise and temperate; the other, careless and 
extravagant. They soon arrived at a garden enriched with 
aromatic herbs, the. most fragrant flowers, and the most 
delicious fruits. They regaled themselves for a time on the 
various dainties that were set before them : the one loading 
his thigh at intervals with provisions for the hive against the 
distant winter, the other revelling in sweets, without regard 
to anything but his present gratification. 

At length, they found a wide-mouthed vial, that hung 
beneath the bough of a peach-tree, filled with honey ready 
tempered, and exposed to their taste in the most alluring 
manner. The thoughtless Epicure, spite of all his friend’s 
remonstrances, plunged headlong into the vessel, resolving 
to indulge himself in all the pleasures of sensuality. The 
Philosopher, on the other hand, sipped a little with caution, 
but, being suspicious of danger, flew off to fruits and flowers ; 
where, by the moderation of his meals, he iniproved his 
relish for the true enjoyment of them. 

G 


82 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


In the evening, however, he called upon his friend, to 
inquire whether he would return to the hive, but found him 
surfeited in sweets, which he was as unable to leave as to 
enjoy. Clogged in his wings, enfeebled in his feet, and his 
whole frame totally enervated, he was but just able to bid his 
friend adieu, and to lament, with his latest breath, that 
though a taste of pleasure may quicken the relish of life, an 
unrestrained indulgence is inevitable destruction. 

MORAL. 

Moderation rewards and intemperance punishes itself. 


FABLE LXI. 

THE TURKEY AND THE ANT. 

A Turkey, tired of common food. 
Forsook the barn, and sought the wood ; 
Behind her ran her infant train. 

Collecting here and there a grain. 

Draw near, my birds,” the mother cries, 
“ This hill delicious fare supplies ; 

Behold the busy negro race. 

See millions blacken all the place. 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


83 


Fear not : like me, with freedom eat ; 

An Ant is most delightful meat. 

How blessed, how envied were our life. 

Could we but ’scape the poulterer’s knife! 

But man, cursed man, on Turkeys preys. 

And Christmas shortens all our days. 
Sometimes with oysters we combine ; 
Sometimes assist the savoury chine : 

From the low peasant to the lord. 

The Turkey smokes on every board ; 

Sure, men for gluttony are cursed. 

Of the seven deadly sins, the worst.” 

An Ant, who climbed beyond her reach. 
Thus answered from the neighbouring beech : 
“ Ere you remark another’s sin. 

Bid thy own conscience look within ; 

Control thy more voracious bill. 

Nor, for a breakfast, nations kill.” 

MORAL. 

In other folks we faults can spy. 

And blame the mote that dims their eye ; 
Each little speck and blemish find : 

To our own stronger errors blind. 


84 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXII. 

THE DOG AND THE WOLF. 

A LEAN, hungry, half-starved Wolf happened, one moon- 
shiny night, to meet a jolly, plump, well-fed Mastiff ; and 
after the first compliments were passed, says the Wolf, “ You 
look extremely well ; I protest, I think I never saw a more 
graceful, comely person ; but how comes it about, I beseech 
/ou, that you should live so much better than I ? I may say, 
without vanity, that I venture fifty times more than you do, 
and yet I am almost ready to perish with hunger.” The Dog 
answered very bluntly, “ Why, you may live as well, if you 
do the same for it as I do.” “ Indeed ! what is that ? ” says 
he. “ Why,” says the Dog, “ only to guard the house at 
night, and keep it from thieves.” “With all my heart,” 
replies the Wolf, “ for at present I have but a sorry time of 
it ; and I think to change my hard lodging in the woods, 
where I endure rain, frost, and snow, for a warm roof over 
my head and enough of good victuals, will be no bad 
bargain.” “True,” says the Dog; “therefore you have 
nothing to do but to follow me.” 

Now, as they were jogging on together, the Wolf spied a 



THE HOUSE. DOG AND THE WOLF, 



FAVOURITE FABLES. 


8S 


crease In the Dog’s neck, and having a strange curiosity, 
could not forbear asking him what it meant! ‘‘Pugh! 
nothing,” says the Dog. “ Nay, but pray,” says the Wolf. 
“ Why,” says the Dog, “ if you must know, I am tied up in 
the day-time, because I am a little fierce, for fear I should bite 
people, and am only let loose at nights. But this is done 
with a design to make me sleep by day, more than anything 
else, and that I may watch the better in the night time ; for, 
as soon as ever the twilight appears, out I am turned, and 
may go where I please. Then my master brings me plates 
of bones from the table with his own hands ; and whatever 
scraps are left by any of the family, all fall to my share ; for, 
you must know, I am a favourite with everybody. So you 
see how you are to live. — Come, come along; what is the 
matter with you?” “No,” replied the Wolf, “I beg your 
pardon ; keep your happiness all to yourself Liberty is the 
word with me ; and I would not be a king upon the terms 
you mention.” 


MORAL. 

The lowest condition of life, with freedom, is happier 
than the greatest without it. The bird of the air, though he 
roosts on a bough, has more real joy than the well-fed 
captive in a gilded cage. 


86 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXIIL 

THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER. 

A Satyr, as he was ranging the forest in an exceedingly 
cold, snowy season, met with a Traveller half starved with 
the extremity of the weather. He took compassion on him, 
and kindly invited him home to a warm, comfortable cave he 
had in a hollow of a rock. As soon as they had entered and 
sat down, notwithstanding there was a good fire in the 
place, the chilled Traveller could not forbear blowing his 
finger-ends. 

Upon the Satyr asking him why he did so, he answered 
that he did it to warm his hands. The honest Sylvan having 
seen little of the world, admired a man who was master of so 
valuable a quality as that of blowing heat ; and, therefore, 
was resolved to entertain him in the best manner he could. 
He spread the table before him with dried fruits of several 
sorts, and produced a remnant of cold cordial wine, which, 
as the rigour of the season made very proper, he mulled 
with some warm spices, over the fire, and presented to his 
shivering guest. But this the Traveller thought fit to blow 
likewise, and upon the Satyr’s demanding the reason why 
he blowed again, he replied, to cool the dish. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


37 


This second answer provoked the Satyr’s indignation, as 
much as the first had kindled his surprise; so, taking the 
man by the shoulder, he thrust him out, saying he would 
have nothing to do with a wretch who had so vile a quality 
as to blow hot and cold with the same mouth. 

MORAL. 

Double dealing is always detestable. The man that blows 
hot and cold at the same time is not worthy to be trusted ; 
the sooner we part from him the better. 


FABLE LXIV. 

THE BARLEY-MOW AND THE DUNGHILL. 

As ’cross his yard, at early day, 

A careful farmer took his way, 

He stopped, and leaning on his fork. 
Observed the flail’s incessant work. 

In thought he measured all his store ; 

His geese, his hogs, he numbered o’er; 
In fancy weighed the fleeces shorn. 

And multiplied the next year’s corn. 

A Barley-Mow, which stood beside, 
Thus to its musing master cried : 


88 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


“ Say, good sir, is it fit or right. 

To treat me with neglect and slight ? 

Me, who contribute to your cheer. 

And raise your mirth with ale and beer ! 

Why thus insulted, thus disgraced. 

And that vile Dunghill near me placed ? 

Are those poor sweepings of a groom. 

That filthy sight, that nauseous fume. 

Meet objects here ? Command it hence : 

A thing so mean must give offence.” 

The humble Dunghill thus replied : 

“ Thy master hears, and mocks thy pride. 

Insult not thus the meek and low ; 

In me thy benefactor know : 

My warm assistance gave thee birth. 

Or thou hadst perished low in earth : 

But upstarts, to support their station, . 

Cancel at once all obligation.” 

FABLE LXV. 

THE SHEEP-BITER AND SHEPHERD. 

A CERTAIN Shepherd had a Dog, upon whose fidelity he 
relied very much ; for whenever he had occasion to be absent 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


89 

himself, he committed the care and tuition of the flock to 
the charge of his Dog ; and, to encourage him to do his 
duty cheerfully, he fed him constantly with sweet curds and 
whey, and sometimes threw him a crust or two. Yet, not- 
withstanding this, no sooner was his back turned, but 
the treacherous cur fell foul of the flock, and devoured the 
sheep, instead of guarding and defending them. The Shep- 
herd being informed of this, was resolved to hang him ; and 
the Dog, when the rope was about his neck, and he was 
just going to be hung, began to expostulate with his master, 
asking him, why he was so unmercifully bent against him, 
who was his own servant and creature, and had only com- 
mitted two or three crimes, and why he did not rather 
execute vengeance upon the Wolf, who was a constant and 
declared enemy? “Nay,” replies the Shepherd, “ it is for 
that very reason that I think you ten times more deserving of 
death than he. From him I expected nothing but hostilities; 
and therefore could guard against him. You I depended 
upon as a just and faithful servant, and fed and encouraged 
you accordingly; and therefore your treachery is the more 
notorious, and your ingratitude the more unpardonable.” 


MORAL. 


A known enemy is better than a treacherous friend. 


90 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXVL 

THE STAG AT THE POOL. 

A Stag that had been drinking at a clear spring, saw 
himself in the water ; and, pleased with the sight, stood long 
contemplating and surveying his shape and features from head 
to foot. ‘‘ Ah ! says he, “ what a glorious pair of branching 
horns are there ! How gracefully do those antlers hang over 
my forehead, and give an agreeable turn to my whole face ! If 
some other parts of my body were but in proportion to them, 

I would turn my back to nobody ; but I have a set of such 
legs as really make me ashamed to see them. People may 
talk what they please of their conveniences, and what great 
need we stand in of them, upon several occasions ; but, for 
my part, I find them so very slender and unsightly that I had 
as lief have none at all.” 

While he was giving himself these airs, he was alarmed 
with the noise of some huntsmen and a pack of hounds that 
had been just laid on upon the scent, and were making 
towards him. 

Away he flees in some consternation, and, bounding 
nimbly over the plain, threw dogs and men at a vast distance 
behind him. After which, taking a very thick copse,, he had 
the ill-fortune to be entangled by his horns in a thicket, 



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FAVOURITE FABLES. 


91 

where he was held fast, till the hounds came in and pulled 
him down. Finding now how it was likely to go with him, in 
the pangs of death, he is said to have uttered these words : — 
“ Unhappy creature that I am ! I am too late convinced that 
what I prided myself in has been the cause of my undoing, 
and what I so much disliked was the only thing that could 
have saved me.” 

MORAL. 

Beauty often becomes a snare and ruin, while solid virtue, 
though unadorned, gains respect. The latter, too, will 
mature with age, while the former will surely fade. 

FABLE LXVIL 

THE OLD SWALLOWS AND THE YOUNG BIRDS. 

A Swallow, observing a husbandman employed in 
sowing hemp, called the little Birds together, and informed 
them what the farmer was about. He told them that hemp 
was the material from which the nets, so fatal to the feathered 
race, were composed ; and advised them unanimously to join 
in picking it up, in order to prevent the consequences. 

The Birds, either disbelieving his information, or 
neglecting his advice, gave themselves no trouble about the 
matter. In a little time, the hemp appeared above the 
ground. The friendly Swallow again addressed himself to 
them — told them it was not yet too late, provided they 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


92 

would immediately set about the work, before the seeds had 
taken too deep root. But, they still rejecting his advice, he 
forsook their society ; repaired, for safety, to towns and cities ; 
there built his habitation, and kept his residence. 

One day, as he was skimming along the streets, he 
happened to see a great number of these very Birds, 
imprisoned in a cage, on the shoulders of a bird-catcher. 
“Unhappy wretches!” said he, “you now feel the punish- 
ment of your former neglect. But those who, having no 
foresight of their own, despise the wholesome admonition of 
their friends, deserve the mischiefs which their own obstinacy 
or negligence bring upon their heads.” 

MORAL. 

This Fable teaches thoughtless youth 
A most important moral truth : — 

The seeds, which proved the young birds’ ruin. 

Are emblems of their own undoing. 

Should they neglect, while yet ’tis time. 

To pluck the early shoots of crime ; 

Or, in their own opinions wise. 

The counsel of their friends despise. 

For evil habits, left to grow, 

Are ever sure to lead to woe ; 

But checked in time with vigorous hand. 

Will bend to virtue’s firm command. 


FAi^OURITE FABLES. 


93 


FABLE LXVIII. 

THE WAGGONER AND THE BUTTERFLY. 

The rain so soft had made the road, 

That, in a rut, a waggon-load. 

The poor man’s harvest, (bitter luck !) 

Sank down a foot, and there it stuck. 

He whipped his horses, but in vain ; 

They pulled and splashed, and pulled again. 
But vainly still ; the slippery soil 
Defied their strength, and mocked their toil. 
Panting they stood, with legs outspread ; 
The driver stood, and scratched his head : 

(A common custom, by-the-bye, ' 

When people know not what to try. 

Though not, it seems, a remedy). 

A Butterfly, in flower concealed. 

Had travelled with them from the field ; 

Who in the waggon was thrown up. 

While feasting on a buttercup. 


94 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


The panting of each labouring beast 
Disturbed her at her fragrant feast ; 

The sudden stop, the driver’s sigh, 

Awoke her generous sympathy. 

And, seeing the distressing case 
She cried, while springing from her place, 
(Imagining her tiny freight 
A vast addition to the weight,) 

‘‘ I must have pity — and be gone. 

Now, master Waggoner, drive on.” 


MORAL. 

Do not admire this Butterfly, 

Young reader ; I will tell you why. 

At first, goodnature seems a cause, 

Why she should merit your applause ; 

But ’twas conceit that filled her breast : 

Her self-importance made a jest 
Of what might otherwise have claimed 
Your praise, — but now she must be blamed. 
Should any case occur, when you 
May have some friendly act to do ; 

Give your feeble aid— 2.^ such. 

But estimate it not too much. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


95 


FABLE LXIX. 

THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE FOX. 

A Lion and a Bear quarrelling over the carcase of a Fawn, 
which they found in the forest, their title to him had to be 
decided by force of arms. The battle was severe and tough 
on both sides, and they fought it out, tearing and worrying one 
another so long, that, what with wounds and fatigue, they 
were so faint and weary, that they were not able to strike 
another stroke. Thus, while they lay upon the ground, 
panting and lolling out their tongues, a Fox chanced to pass 
by that way, who, perceiving how the case stood, very 
impudently stepped in between them, seized the booty which 
they had all this while been contending for, and carried it off. 
The two combatants, who lay and beheld all this, without 
having strength to stir and prevent it, were only wise 
enough to make this reflection : — “ Behold the fruits of our 
strife and contention ! That villain, the Fox, bears away 
the prize, and we ourselves have deprived each other of the 
power to recover it from him.’’ 

MORAL. 

When fools quarrel, knaves get the prize of contention. 


96 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE LXX. 

THE FOX AND THE GRAPES. 

In days of yore, when a young' Fox would take more pains 
to get a bunch of grapes than a plump, fat goose, an arch 
young thief cast his eyes on a fine , bunch which hung on the 
top of a poor man’s vine, and made him lick his lips like a 
hound at the sight of a joint of meat. ‘‘Oh,” said he, “how 
nice they look ! I must have a taste of them, if I die for it; ” 
and with that, up he jumped with all his might, but had the 
ill-luck not to reach the grapes ; yet, as he could not find in 
his heart to leave them, he tried for them as long as he was 
able ; so he leaped and jumped, and jumped and leaped, till 
at last he was glad to rest. But when he found all his pains 
were in vain, “ Hang them ! ” said he, “lam sure they are 
not fit to eat, for they are as sour as crabs, and would set my 
teeth on edge for a whole week ; and so I shall leave them 
for the next fool who may chance to come this way.” 

MORAL. 

Some men make light of that which is out of their reach, 
though at the same time in their hearts they know not what 
to do for want of it. 



THE FOX AND THE GRAPES 





FAVOURITE FABLES. 


91 


FABLE LXXI. 

THE HARE AND MANY FRIENDS. 

A Hare, who, in a civil way. 

Complied with everything-, like Gay, 

Was known by all the bestial train. 

Who haunt the wood, or graze the plain. 

As forth she went, at early dawn. 

To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn. 

Behind she hears the hunter’ s ' cries. 

And from the deep-mouthed thunder flies. 
She starts, she stops, she pants for breath ; 
She hears the near approach of death ; 

She doubles, to mislead the hound. 

And measures back her mazy round ; 

Till, fainting in the public way. 

Half dead with fear, she gasping lay : — 
What transport in her bosom grew. 

When first the Horse appeared in view! 

“ Let me,” says she, your back ascend. 
And owe my safety to a friend ; 

H 


98 


FAVOURITE FA BEES. 


You know my feet betray my flight ; 

To friendship, ev’ry burthen’s light.” 

The Horse replied, — “ Poor, honest Puss ! 
It grieves my heart to see thee thus : 

Be comforted, — relief is near ; 

For all our friends are in the rear.” 

She next the stately Bull implored, 

And thus replied the mighty lord : — 

“ Since every beast alive can tell, 

That I sincerely wish you well, 

I may, without offence, pretend 
To take the freedom of a friend. 

Love calls me hence ; a favourite cow 
Expects me near yon barley-mow ; 

And when a lady’s in the case. 

You know, all other things give place. 

To leave you thus may seem unkind ; 

But see,— the Goat is just behind.” 

The Goat remarked her pulse was high ; 
Her languid head, her heavy eye ; 

“ My back,” says she, ‘‘ may do you harm ; 
The Sheep’s at hand, and wool is warm.” 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


99 


The Sheep was feeble, and complained, 
His sides a load of wool sustained ; 

Said he was slow ; confessed his fears ; 
For Hounds eat Sheep as well as Hares. 

She now the trotting Calf addressed, 

To save from death a friend distressed. 

‘‘ Shall I,” says he, “ of tender age. 

In this important care engage ? 

Older and abler pass you by ; 

How strong are those ! how weak am I ! 
Should I presume to bear you hence. 
Those friends of mine may take offence. 
Excuse me, then, — you know my heart ; 
But dearest friends, alas ! must part. 

How shall we all lament ! — Adieu ! 

For see, the Hounds are just in view.” 


MORAL. 

Friendships are single : who depend 
On many rarely find a friend. 


lOO 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXIL 

THE COCK AND THE FOX. 

A Cock, being perched among the branches of a lofty 
tree, crowed aloud, so that the shrillness of his voice echoed 
through the wood and invited a Fox to the place, who was 
prowling in that neighbourhood in quest of his prey. But 
Reynard, finding the Cock was inaccessible by reason of the 
height of his situation, had recourse to stratagem in order to 
decoy him down. So, approaching the tree, “ Cousin,” says 
he, ‘‘I am heartily glad to see you ; but at the same time I 
cannot forbear expressing my uneasiness at the inconvenience 
of the place, which will not let me pay my respects to you in 
a handsomer manner ; though I suppose you will come down 
presently, and thus the difficulty will be easily removed.” 

“Indeed, cousin,” says the Cock, “to tell you the truth, 
I do not think it safe to venture upon the ground ; for 
though I am convinced how much you are my friend, yet I 
may have the misfortune to fall into the clutches of some other 
beasts, and what will become of me then?” “ Oh, dear!” 
says Reynard, “is it possible that you can be so ignorant. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


lOI 


as not to know of the peace which has been lately proclaimed 
between all kinds of birds and beasts ; -and that we are for 
the future to forbear hostilities on all sides, and to live in the 
utmost love and harmony, and this, under the penalty of 
suffering the severest punishment that can be inflicted?’’ 
All this while the Cock seemed to give little attention to what 
was said, but stretched out his neck, as if he saw something 
at a distance. 

“ Cousin,” says the Fox, “ what is it that you look at so 
earnestly? ” ‘‘Why,” says the Cock, “ I think I see a pack 

of hounds yonder, a little way off.” “Oh, then,” says the 
Fox, “your humble servant, I must begone.” “Nay, pray 
cousin, do not go,” says the Cock, “ I am just coming down; 
surely you are not afraid of Dogs in these peaceable times ? ’ ’ 
“ No, no,” says he, “ but ten to one whether they have heard 
of the proclamation yet.” 


MORAL. 

When ro'gues are met in their own strain, they are 
generally worsted. It is interesting to see the snares of the 
wicked defeated by the discreet management of the innocent. 
“ Answer a fool according to his folly,” is an old maxim. 


102 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXIII. 

THE LION AND THE MOUSE. 

A Lion, faint with heat and weary with hunting, was 
lying down to take his repose under the spreading boughs of 
a thick shady oak. It happened that while he slept, a 
company of scrambling mice ran over his back, and waked 
him ; upon which, starting up, he clapped his paw upon one 
of them, and was just going to put it to death, when the 
little supplicant implored his mercy in a very moving manner, 
begging him not to stain his noble character with the blood 
of so despicable and small a beast. 

The Lion, considering the matter, thought proper to do as 
he was desired, and immediately released his little trembling 
prisoner. 

Not long after, while traversing the forest in pursuit of 
his prey, he chanced to run into the toils of the hunters, 
from whence, not being able to disengage himself, he set up 
a most hideous and loud roar. 

The Mouse, hearing a voice, and knowing it to be the 
Lion’s, immediately repaired to the place, and bid him fear 
nothing, for that he was his friend. Then straight he fell to 



THE LION AND THE MOUSE 







FAVOURITE FABLES, 


103 


work, and with his sharp little teeth gnawing asunder the 
knots and fastenings of the toils, set the royal brute at 
liberty. 


MORAL. 

There is none so little, but that even the greatest may at 
some time or other stand in need of his assistance. 

FABLE LXXIV. 

THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER. 

A Trumpeter, being taken prisoner in a battle, begged 
hard for quarter, declaring his innocence, and protesting that 
he neither had nor could kill any man, bearing no arms but 
only a trumpet, which he was obliged to sound at the word of 
command. “ For that reason,” replied his enemies, ‘‘ we are 
determined not to spare you ; for though you yourself never 
light, yet with that wicked instrument of yours, you blow up 
animosity between other people, and so become the occasion 
of much bloodshed.” 


MORAL. 

The hand may rest quiet by the side, and yet the tongue 
be the means of doing more injury than a thousand hands. 


104 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXV. 

THE MOUSE AND THE ELEPHANT. 

A PERT young- Mouse, but just arrived 
From Athens, where some time he’d lived ; 
And daily to the portico, 

To pick up learning, used to go ; 

Vain of the wisdom he had stored. 

And of the books he had devoured ; 

Puffed up with pride and self-conceit, 

And proud to show his little wit. 

Thus to an Elephant, one day. 

He took It in his head to say : — 

“ Nay, not so pompous in your gait. 
Because Dame Nature made you great ; 

I tell you, sir, your mighty size 
Is of no value in my eyes ; — 

Your magnitude, I have a notion. 

Is quite unfit for locomotion ; 

When journeying far, you often prove 
How sluggishly your feet can move. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


105 


Now, look at me : I’m made to fly; 
Behold, with what rapidity 
I skip about from place to place. 

And still unwearied with the race ; 

But you — how lazily you creep, 

And stop to breathe at every step ! 
Whenever I your bulk survey, 

I pity — ” What he meant to say. 

Or with what kind of peroration 
He’d have concluded his oration, 

I cannot tell ; for, all at once. 

There pounced upon the learned dunce 
An ambushed Cat ; who, very soon. 
Experimentally made known. 

That between Mice and Elephants 
There is a mighty difference. 


MORAL. 

When fools pretend to wit and sense. 
And wish to shine at your expense. 
Defy them to the proof, and you 
Will make them their own folly show. 


io6 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXVI. 

THE HUSBANDMAN AND HIS SONS. 

A CERTAIN Husbandman, lying at the point of death, and 
being desirous his sons should pursue that innocent, enter- 
taining course of agriculture in which he himself had been 
engaged all his life, made use of this expedient to induce 
them to it. He called them to his bed-side and spoke to this 
effect: ‘‘All the patrimony I have to bequeath you. Sons, is 
my farm and my vineyard, of which I make you joint heirs. 
But I charge you not to let it go out of your own occupation ; 
for if I have any treasure besides, it lies buried somewhere in 
the ground, within a foot of the surface.” 

This made the Sons conclude that he talked of money 
which he had hid there; so, after their father’s death, with 
unwearied diligence and application, they carefully dug up 
every inch, both of the farm and vineyard ; from which it 
came to pass that, though they missed the treasure which 
they expected, the ground, by being so well stirred and 
loosened, produced so plentiful a crop of all that was sowed 
in it as proved a real, and no inconsiderable treasure. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


107 


MORAL. 

Labour and industry, well applied, seldom fail of finding 
a rich treasure. And if these do not give us exactly the 
wealth we are looking for, they will certainly give us health 
and cheerfulness, with a tranquil mind, and, without these, 
all the gold of Peru would lie in our coffers useless. 

FABLE LXXVII. 

THE BALD KNIGHT. 

A CERTAIN Knight growing old, his hair fell off, and he 
became bald ; to hide which imperfection he wore a periwig. 
But as he was riding out with some others a-hunting, a 
sudden gust of wind blew off the periwig, and exposed his 
bald pate. 

The company could not forbear laughing at the accident; 
and he himself laughed as loud as anybody, saying, ‘‘ How 
was it to be expected that I should keep strange hair on my 
head, when my own would not stay there.” 

MORAL. 

If, by any word or action, we happen to raise the laughter 
of those about us, we cannot stifle it better than, by a brisk 
presence of mind, to join in the mirth of the company, and, 
if possible, anticipate the jests they are ready to make on us. 


io8 


FJ VO URITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXVIIL 

THE DOG IN THE MANGER. 

A Dog was lying upon a manger full of hay. An Ox, 
being hungry, came near, and wanted to eat of the hay; 
but the envious, ill-natured cur, getting up and snarling at 
him, would not suffer him to touch it. Upon which the Ox, 
in the bitterness of his heart, said, ‘‘What a selfish wretch 
thou art, for thou canst neither eat hay thyself, nor suffer 
others to do so.’’ 


MORAL. 

Selfishness is a most contemptible thing ; but that degree 
of it which withholds from others what we can make no 
possible use of ourselves, is hateful in the extreme. 


FABLE LXXIX. 

THE OLD MAN AND DEATH. 

A POOR, feeble old Man, who had crawled out into a neigh- 
bouring wood to gather a few sticks, had made up his bundle, 



THE DOG IN THE MANGER 




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FAVOURITE FABLES. 


109 

and, laying It over his shoulders, was trudging homeward 
with it ; but what with age, and the length of the way, and 
the weight of his burden, he grew so faint and weak that he 
sunk under it, and, as he sat on the ground, called upon 
Death to come and ease him of his troubles. Death no 
sooner heard him than he came and demanded of him what 
he wanted. The poor old creature, who little thought Death 
had been so near, and frightened almost out of his senses 
with his terrible aspect, answered him, trembling. That, 
having by chance let his bundle of sticks fall, and being too 
infirm to get it up himself, he had made bold to call upon 
him to help him ; that, indeed, this was all he wanted at 
present, and that he hoped his worship was not offended with 
him for the liberty he had taken in so doing. 


MORAL. 

Men lightly speak of Death when they think he is far 
away ; but let him appear near, and the very sense of his 
approach almost drives the life away. Men then resume the 
burden of cares which they had thrown down as insupportable, 
being content to bear the ills they have than fly to others 
that they know not of. 


no 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE LXXX. 

THE OLD HEN AND YOUNG COCK. 

As an old Hen led forth her train, 

And seemed to peck, to show the grain ; 

She raked the chaff, she scratched the ground. 
And gleaned the spacious yard around. 

A giddy chick, to try her wings. 

On the well’s narrow margin springs. 

And prone she drops. The mother’s breast 
All day with sorrow was possessed. 

A Cock she met — her son, she knew ; 

And in her heart affection grew. 

‘‘ My son,” says she, “ I grant, your years 
Have reached beyond a mother’s cares; 

I see you vigorous, strong, and bold ; 

I hear, with joy, your triumphs told. 

’Tis not from Cocks thy fate I dread ; 

But let thy ever- wary tread 
Avoid yon well ; that fatal place 
Is sure perdition to our race. 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 


1 1 1 


Print this, my counsel, on thy breast ; 

To the just gods I leave the rest.” 

He thanked her care ; yet, day by day. 
His bosom burned to disobey ; 

And every time the well he saw. 

Scorned, in his heart, the foolish law ; 

Near and more near each day he drew. 

And longed to try the dangerous view. 

‘‘ Why was this idle charge ? ” he cries ; 

“ Let courage female fears despise ! 

Or did she doubt my heart was brave, 

And, therefore, this injunction gave ? 

Or does her harvest store the place, 

A treasure for her younger race ? 

And would she thus my search prevent ? — 

I stand resolved, and dare th’ event.” 

Thus said, he mounts the margin’s round. 
And pries into the depth profound. 

He stretched his neck ; and, from below. 
With stretching neck advanced a foe : 

With wrath his ruffled plumes he ears ; 

The foe with ruffled plumes ajDpears : 


TI2 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


Threat answered threat, his fury grew ; 
Headlong to meet the war he flew ; 

But when the watery death he found, 
He thus lamented as he drowned : 

‘‘ I ne’er had been in this condition. 
Had I obeyed the prohibition.” 


MORAL. 

Obey your parents, or ’twill be your fate. 
To feel repentance when it comes too late. 


FABLE LXXXI. 

MERCURY AND THE WOODMAN. 

A Man was felling a tree on the bank of a river, and by 
chance let his hatchet slip out of his hand, which dropped 
into the water, and immediately sunk to the bottom. Being, 
therefore, in great distress from the loss of his tool, he sat 
down and bemoaned himself most lamentably. 

Upon this. Mercury appeared to him, and being informed 
of the cause of his complaint, dived to the bottom of the 
river, and, coming up again, showed the man a golden 
hatchet, demanding if that were his. He denied that it was ; 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


upon which Mercury dived a second time, and brought up a 
silver one. The Man refused it, alleging likewise that this 
was not his. He dived a third time, and fetched up the 
individual hatchet the man had lost; upon sight of which the 
poor fellow was overjoyed, and took it with all humility and 
thankfulness. Mercury was so pleased with the fellow’s 
honesty, that he gave him the other two into the bargain, as 
a reward for his just dealing. 

The man then went to his companions, and, giving them 
an account of what had happened, one of them went presently 
to the river side, and let his hatchet fall designedly into the 
stream. Then, sitting down upon the bank, he fell a-weeping 
and lamenting, as if he had been really and sorely afflicted. 
Mercury appeared as before, and, diving, brought him up a 
golden hatchet, asking if that was the one he had lost. 
Transported at the precious metal, he answered ‘‘Yes,” and 
went to snatch it greedily. But the god, detesting his 
abominable impudence, not only refused to give him that, 
but would not so much as let him have his own hatchet 
again. 


MORAL. 

Honesty is the best policy ; it has made many a man’s 
fortune, being blessed by God, and highly valued by man. 


I 


114 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXXII. 

THE WOLF AND THE KID. 

The Goat, going abroad to feed, shut up her young kid 
at home, charging him to bolt the door fast, and open it to 
nobody, till she herself should return. The Wolf, who lay 
lurking just by, heard this charge given, and soon after 
came and knocked at the door, counterfeiting the voice of the 
Goat, and desiring to be admitted. The Kid, looking out of 
the window and discovering the cheat, bid him go about his 
business; for however he might imitate a Goat’s voice, yet 
he appeared too much like a Wolf to be trusted. 

MORAL. 

We cannot use too much caution in avoiding those things 
which those who have more experience than we have warned 
us against. 

FABLE LXXXIII. 

THE OLD MAN AND HIS SONS. 

An Old Man had many Sons, who were often falling out 
with one another. When the father had exerted his authority, 


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FAVOURITE FA TIES, 


1 15 

and used other means in order to reconcile them, and all to 
no purpose, he at last had recourse to this expedient : he 
ordered his Sons to be called before him, and a short bundle 
of sticks to be brought ; and then commanded them, one hy 
one, to try if, with all their might and strength, they could 
any of them break it. They all tried, but to no purpose ; 
for the sticks being closely and compactly bound up together, 
it was impossible for the force of man to do it. 

After this the father ordered the bundle to be untied, and 
gave a single stick to each of his Sons, at the same time 
bidding him try to break it, which, when each did, with all 
imaginable ease, the father addressed himself to them to this 
effect: ‘‘ O, my sons, behold the power of unity! for if you, 
in like manner, would but keep yourselves strictly joined 
in the bonds of friendship, it would not be in the power of 
any mortal to hurt you ; but when once the ties of brotherly 
affection are dissolved, how soon do you fall to pieces, and 
become liable to be violated by every injurious hand that 
assaults you.” 

MORAL. 

Union is strength. Love is a powerful bond, which, 
when cherished, will make those who are bound together 
by it irresistible. 


FA VO URITE FABLES. 


FABLE LXXXIV. 

THE BROOK AND THE FOUNTAIN. 

A Fountain varied gambols played, 

Close by an humble Brook ; 

While gently murmuring through the glade, 
Its peaceful course it took. 

Perhaps it gave one envious gaze 
Upon the Fountain’s height. 

While glittering in the morning rays 
Pre-eminently bright. 

In all the colours of the sky. 

Alternately it shone : 

The Brook observed it with a sigh. 

But quietly rolled on. 

The owner of the Fountain died ; 

Neglect soon brought decay ; 

The bursting pipes were ill-supplied ; 

The Fountain ceased to play. 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


I17 

But still the Brook its peaceful course 
Continued to pursue ; 

Her ample, inexhausted source, 

From Nature’s fount she drew. 

“ Now,” said the Brook, “ I bless my fate. 

My showy rival gone ; 

Contented in its native state 
My little stream rolls on. 

And all the world has cause, indeed. 

To own, with grateful heart, 

How much great Nature’s works excel 
The feeble works of art.” 

MORAL. 

Humble usefulness is preferable to idle splendour. 

FABLE LXXXV. 

THE MICE IN COUNCIL. 

The Mice called a general council, and, having met, after 
the doors were locked, entered into a free consultation about 
ways and means how to render their fortunes and estates 


FAVOUJilTE FABLES. 


118 

more secure from the danger of the Cat. Many things were 
offered, and much was debated, “pro and con,’’ upon the 
matter. At last, a young Mouse, in a fine, florid speech, 
concluded with an expedient, and that the only one, which 
was to put them for the future entirely out of the power of 
the enemy; and this was that the Cat should wear a bell 
about her neck, which, upon the least motion, would give the 
alarm, and be a signal for them to retire into their holes. 
This speech was received with great applause, and it was 
even proposed by some that the Mouse who made it should 
have the thanks of the assembly ; upon which an old, grave 
Mouse, who had sat silent all the while, stood up, and, in 
another speech, owned that the contrivance was admirable, 
and the author of it, without doubt, an ingenious Mouse, 
but, he said, he thought it would not be so proper to vote 
him thanks till he should farther inform them how this bell 
was to be fastened about the Cat’s neck, and what Mouse 
would undertake to do it. 


MORAL. 

Many things appear excellent in theory which are impos- 
sible in practice.^ It often requires a great deal of courage 
to carry out projects which a fine, florid speech may persuade 
the hearers are most plausible. 


FA VOURITE FABLES, 


II9 


FABLE LXXXVI. 

THE FOX IN THE WELL. 

A Fox, having- fallen into a well, made a shift by sticking 
his claws into the sides to keep his head above water. Soon 
after a Wolf came and peeped over the brink, to whom the 
Fox applied very earnestly for assistance; entreating that 
he would help him to a rope, or something of the kind, 
which might favour his escape. The Wolf moved with com- 
passion at his misfortune, could not forbear expressing his 
concern. ‘‘Ah, poor Reynard,” says he, “I am sorry for 
you with all my heart; how could you possibly come into 
this melancholy condition ? ” 

“Nay, pr’ythee, friend,” replied the Fox, “if you wish 
me well, do not stand pitying me, but lend me some succour 
as fast as you can ; for pity is but cold comfort when one is 
up to the chin in water, and within a hair’s breadth of 
starving or drowning. 


MORAL. 

Mere expressions of pity, without a desire or attempt to 
alleviate suffering, are a mockery. He that would be truly a 
friend, will be ready to give his assistance when needed. 


120 


FAFOURITE FABLES, 


FABLE LXXXVIII. 

THE HORSE AND THE WOLF. 

As a Wolf was roaming over a farm, he came to a field 
of oats, but not being able to eat them, he left them and 
went his way. 

Presently, meeting with a Horse, he bade him come with 
him into the field, “ For,” says he, ‘‘ I have found some capital 
oats ; and I have not tasted one, but have kept them all for 
you, for the very sound of your teeth is music to my ear.” 
But the Horse replied, “ A pretty fellow! if Wolves were able 
to eat oats, I suspect you would not have preferred your ears 
to your appetite.” 


MORAL. 

Little thanks are due to him, who only gives away what- 
ever is of no use to himself. 


FABLE LXXXIX. 

THE TWO SPRINGS. 

Two springs, which issued from the same mountain, began 
their course together : one of them took her way in a silent 



THE HORSE AND THE WOLF, 




FAFOURIIE FABLES. 


I2I 


and gentle stream, while the other rushed along with a 
sounding and rapid current. “Sister,’’ said the latter, “at 
the rate you move, you will probably be dried up, before you 
advance much farther ; whereas, for myself, I will venture a 
wager, that, within two or three hundred furlongs, I shall 
become navigable ; and, after distributing commerce and 
wealth wherever I flow, I shall majestically proceed to pay 
my tribute to the ocean. So, farewell, dear sister! and 
patiently submit to your fate.” 

Her sister made no reply ; but, calmly descending to the 
meadows below, increased her stream by numberless little 
rills which she collected in her progress, till, at length, she 
was enabled to rise into a considerable river ; whilst the proud 
stream, who had the vanity to depend solely upon her own 
sufflciency, continued a shallow brook; and was glad, at last, 
to be helped forward, by throwing herself into the arms of 
her despised sister. 


MORAL. 

His strength in words the blusterer vainly spends. 
While steadiness in quiet gains its ends. 


122 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE XC. 

THE COUNTRYMAN AND THE RAVEN. 

A Raven, while with glossy breast, 

Her new laid eggs she fondly pressed. 

And, on her wicker-work high mounted. 
Her chickens prematurely counted. 

(A fault philosophers might blame. 

If quite exempted from the same,) 

Enjoyed at ease the genial day ; 

’Twas April, as the bumpkins say; — 

The legislature called it Ma}^ ; 

But suddenly, a wind, as high 
As ever swept a winter’s sky. 

Shook the young leaves about her ears. 
And filled her with a thousand fears. 

Lest the rude blast should snap the bough. 
And spread her golden hopes below. 

But just at eve the blowing weather. 

And all her fears, were hushed together. 
‘‘And now, quoth poor unthinking Ralph, 
“ ’Tis over, and the brood is safe.” • 


FAVOURIIE FABLES, 


123 


(For Ravens, though as birds of omen, 

They teach both conjurors and old women ; 

To tell us what is to befall. 

Can’t prophesy themselves at all.) 

The morning came, when neighbour Hodge, 

Who long had marked her airy lodge. 

And destined all the treasure there, 

A gift to his expecting fair. 

Climbed, like a squirrel to his dray. 

And bore the worthless prize away. 

MORAL. 

Safety consists not in escape 
From danger of a frightful shape ; 

Fate steals along with silent tread. 

Found oftenest in what least we dread ; 

Frowns in the storm with angry brow. 

But in the sunshine strikes the blow. 

FABLE XCI. , . 

THE FOX AND THE BRAMBLE. • 

A Fox, hard pressed by the hounds, was getting over a 
hedge, but tore his foot upon a Bramble, which grew just in 


124 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


the midst of it, upon which he reproached the Bramble for his 
inhospitable cruelty in using a stranger, which had fled to 
him for protection, after such a barbarous manner. “ Yes,” 
says the Bramble, ‘‘you intended to have made me serve 
your turn, I know ; but take this piece of advice with you for 
the future : Never lay hold of a Bramble again, as you value 
your sweet person ; for laying hold is a privilege that belongs 
to us Brambles, and we do not care to let it go out of the 
family.” 

MORAL. 

Impertinent people, who take liberties with others, are 
often much surprised if they are retorted on with severity. 
It is better, then, to keep from undue familiaritv with strangers, 
for we know not of what temper they may be. 


FABLE XCII. 

HERCULES AND THE CARTER. 

As a clownish fellow was driving his cart along a deep 
miry lane, the wheels stuck so fast in the clay, that the horses 
could not draw them out. Upon this he fell a-bawling and 
praying to Hercules to come and help him. 

Hercules, looking down from a cloud, bade him not lie 


FAFOURITE FABLES. 


125 


there, like an idle rascal, as he was, but get up and whip his 
horses stoutly, and clap his shoulder to the wheel ; adding, 
that this was the only way for him to obtain his assistance. 

MORAL. 

The man who asks Heaven for gifts, and neglects the 
gifts Heaven has given, must expect silence until he shows 
that he is in earnest by putting his shoulder to the wheel. 


FABLE XCIII. 

THE BOYS AND THE FROGS. 

On the margin of a large lake, which was inhabited by a 
great number of Frogs, a company of Boys happened to be 
at play. Their diversion was duck and drake, and whole 
volleys of stones were thrown into the water, to the great 
annoyance and danger of the poor terrified Frogs. At 
length, one of the most hardy, lifting up his head above the 
surface of the lake; — ‘‘Ah! dear children ! ” said he, “why 
will ye learn so soon to be cruel ? Consider, I beseech you, 
that though this may be sport to you, it is death to us'' 

MORAL. 

A noble mind disdains to gain 
Its pleasure from another’s pain. 


FAFOUJ^/TE FABLES. 


1 26 


FABLE XCIV. 

THE COCK AND THE JEWEL. 

A BRISK young Cock, in company with two or three 
pullets, raking upon a dunghill for something to entertain 
them with, happened to scratch up a jewel, which sparkled 
with an exceeding bright lustre ; but, not knowing what to do 
with it, endeavoured to cover his ignorance under a look of 
contempt. So, shrugging up his wings, shaking his head, 
and putting on a grimace, he expressed himself to this 
purpose : “ Indeed, you are a very fine thing, but I know not 
what business you have here. I make no scruple of declaring 
that my taste lies quite another way, and I had rather have 
one grain of dear delicious barley than all the jewels under 
the sun.” 


MORAL. 

We should not despise as worthless what does not come 
within the limit of our understanding. Some lose wFat is 
truly valuable for want of knowledge, and prefer what is 
comparatively worthless. 



THE COCK AND THE JKWEI 






4 # 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


127 


FABLE XCV. 

THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE GLOW-WORM. 

A Nightingale, that, all day long. 

Had cheered the village with his song. 
Nor yet at eve his note suspended. 

Nor yet when eventide was ended. 

Began to feel, as well he might. 

The keen demands of appetite ; 

When, looking eagerly around. 

He spied, far off, upon the ground, 

A something shining in the dark. 

And knew the Glow-worm by his spark ; 
So, stooping down from hawthorn top. 

He thought to put him in his crop. 

The Worm, aware of his intent. 
Harangued him thus, right eloquent : — 

‘‘ Did you admire my lamp,” quoth he, 
“As much as I your minstrelsy. 

You would abhor to do me wrong. 

As much as I to spoil your song ; 

For Twas the self-same power divine 
Taught you to sing and me to shine ; 


128 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


That you with music, I with light, 
Might beautify and cheer the night.” 
The songster heard his short oration. 
And, warbling out his approbation. 
Released him, as my story tells. 

And found a supper somewhere else. 


MORAL. 

From this short fable, youth may learn 
Their real interest to discern. 

That brother should not strive with brother. 
And worry and oppress each other ; 

But, joined in unity and peace. 

Their mutual happiness increase : 

Pleased when each others’ faults they hide. 
And in their virtues feel a pride. 


FABLE XCVI. 

THE FOX AND THE SICK LION. 

It was reported that the Lion was sick, and the beasts 
were made to believe that they could not make their court 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


129 


better than by going to visit him. Upon this, they generally 
went, but it was particularly remarked that the Fox was not 
one of the number. The Lion, therefore, dispatched one of his 
Jackals to sound him about it, and to ask him why he had 
so little charity and respect as never to come near him at a 
time when he lay so dangerously ill, and everybody else had 
been to see him. “Why,” replied the Fox, “ pray present 
my duty to his majesty, and tell him that I have the same 
respect for him as ever, and have been coming several times 
to kiss his royal paw, but I am so terribly frightened at the 
mouth of his cave, to see the print of my fellow-subjects’ 
feet all pointing forwards, and none backwards, that I had 
not resolution enough to venture in.” 

Now, the truth of the matter was, that the sickness ot 
the Lion was only a sham to draw the beasts into his den, 
the more easily to devour them. 


MORAL. 

It is well to weigh and consider the nature of any proposal 
thoroughly before we accede to it ; but, certainly, if we have 
reason, from the injury done to others, to suspect that we 
may suffer harm, it is decidedly better to decline. 

K 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


130 


FABLE XCVI. 

THE LION, THE FOX, AND THE GEESE. 

A Lion, tired with state affairs. 

Quite sick of pomp, and worn with cares. 
Resolved (remote from noise and strife) 

In peace to pass his latter life. 

It was proclaimed : the day was set : 
Behold the general council met : 

The Fox was viceroy named. The crowd 
To the new regent humbly bowed ! 
Wolves, bears, and mighty tigers bend. 
And strive who most shall condescend. 
The crowd admire his wit, his sense : 

Each word hath weight and consequence. 
The flatterer all his art displays ; 

He who hath power, is sure of praise. 

A Fox stepped forth before the rest. 

And thus the servile throng addressed : — 

How vast his talents, born to rule. 
And train’d in virtue’s honest school ! 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


What clemency his temper sways ! 

How uncorrupt are all his ways ! 

Beneath his conduct and command 
Rapine shall cease to waste the land ; 

What blessings must attend the nation 
Under this good administration !’’ 

He said. A Goose, who distant stood, 
Harangu’d apart the cackling brood : 

“ Whene’er I hear a knave commend. 

He bids me shun his worthy friend. 

What praise ! what mighty commendation ! 
But ’twas a Fox who spoke th’ oration. 

Foxes this government may prize. 

As gentle, plentiful, and wise ; 

If they enjoy the sweets, ’tis plain 
We Geese must feel a tyrant reign. 

What havoc now shall thin our race ! 

When every petty clerk in place. 

To prove his taste, and seem polite. 

Will feed on Geese both noon and night.” 

MORAL. 

Those flatter the plunderer who share in the spoil. 


FAVOURITE EARLES. 


^ 3 ^ 


FABLE XCVII. 

THE ONE-EYED DOE. 

A Doe, that had but one eye, used to graze near the sea, 
and that she might be the more secure from harm, she kept 
her blind side toward the water, from whence she had no 
apprehension of danger, and with the other surveyed the 
country as she fed. 

By this vigilance and precaution she thought herself in 
the utmost security ; when a sly fellow, with two or three of 
his companions, who had been poaching after her several' 
days to no purpose, at last took a boat, and, fetching a 
compass upon the sea, came gently down upon her, and shot 
her. The Doe, in the agonies of death, breathed out this 
doleful complaint : — Oh, hard fate! that I should receive my 
death wound from that side whence I expected no ill ; and 
be safe in that part where I looked for the most danger.” 


MORAL. 

Our troubles and dangers frequently arise from the 
direction we least expect them. 



THE ONE-EYED DOE 







FAVOURITE FABLES. 




FABLE XCVIII. 

THE FOX, THE RAVEN, AND THE DOVE. 

A Fox, who was half-starved with hunger, stretched 
himself all along upon the ground, and lay as if he were 
dead, that he might entice the harmless birds to come within 
his reach, and then leap of a sudden upon them, and make 
them his prey; but it happened that a Raven, who was 
hovering near him, observed that he fetched his breath ; and, 
by consequence, found it to be only a trick in him to catch 
the birds. She, therefore, instantly gave them notice of it ; 
and forewarned them, as they valued their own lives, not to 
come within reach of the Fox, who only feigned himself to 
be dead. 

The Fox, finding his plot to be discovered, was obliged 
to go away hungry; but. soon bethought himself of another 
invention : which was, to go and kennel himself in a hollow 
tree, upon which a Dove had her nest, and was breeding up 
her young ones. Having done this, he called to her, that, 
unless she would throw down to him sometimes one of her 
eggs, and sometimes one of her young ones, he would climb 
up the tree, take away all her eggs, kill both her and her 
young, and break her nest to pieces. 

The harmless Dove, thinking of two ills to choose the 


134 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


least, did as the Fox required her; and threw him down now 
one of her eggs, and then one of her young ones. Having 
done so, for some time, with a great deal of grief and sorrow, 
and the Fox continuing still to demand it of her, she, at last, 
made her complaint to the Raven, who chanced to come and 
perch herself on the same tree ; grievously bemoaning her 
fate, that she, like a good mother, to provide for her children, 
was at last obliged to make them a sacrifice to such a villain. 
But the Raven, who was not so timorous as she, advised her, 
whenever the Fox threatened her again, that he would kill 
both her and her young, if she would not throw one of them 
down to him, to answer him roundly, — ‘‘ If you could have 
flown or climbed up the tree, you would not have been so 
often contented with one of my eggs, or of my young ; but 
would, long since, according to your ravenous and blood- 
thirsty nature, have devoured both me and them.” In short, 
the next time the Fox came, and threatened her as before, 
she replied as the Raven had instructed her. 

The Fox, hearing her answer, and knowing very well that 
she was not so wise and cunning of herself, resolved to find 
out the truth of the matter ; and, at length, came to under- 
stand that it was the Raven who had been her counsellor. 
He, therefore, vowed to be revenged on her, who had now, 
the second time, hindered him from getting his prey. Not 
long after, he espied her sitting on a high thorn-tree ; and, 
going to her, began to praise her at a mighty rate, — 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


135 


magnifying- her good fortune above that of all beasts, who 
could neither fly like her, nor tread the ground with so 
majestical a gait : adding, withal, that it would be a great 
pleasure to him to see her lordly walk ; that he might from 
thence, be certain whether she were indeed so divine and 
prophetic a bird as men had always held her to be. 

The Raven, transported to hear herself thus praised to 
the skies, flew down ; and, pitching upon the ground, walked 
to and fro, in mighty pomp and state. The Fox seemed 
highly delighted ; a^d said, that he extremely wondered how 
the Raven could keep upon the ground, when the wind blew 
her feathers over her eyes, and hindered her sight; but 
chiefly when it blew before, behind, and on all sides of her. 
“I can very well provide against that,’’ said the Raven; 
“for then I hide my head under my left wing.” “How!” 
cried the Fox; “hide your head under your left wing! So 
wonderful a thing I can never believe, till I see it.” Imme- 
diately the Raven put her head under her left wing, and held 
it there so long that the Fox caught hold of her and killed 
her for his prey. 


MORAL. 

So must they fare who give good advice to others, but 
have not discretion enough to follow it themselves. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 




FABLE XCIX. 

THE TWO POTS. 

Two Pots, of different size and matter made, 
Were swiftly down a rolling stream convey’d. 
The larger vessel, form’d of solid brass. 

Did boldly o’er the rapid water pass ; 

While that whose substance was but brittle clay, 
Would, for his safety, give the stronger way. 
Him the Brass Pot invited to draw near. 

And said, “ His frailty need not cause his fear ; 
For he, with just precaution would prevent 
The danger of their jostling as they went.” 

The Earthen Pot, that knew his weaker frame. 
Excused himself, that he no nearer came ; 

And said, ‘‘ My friend, if the impetuous tide 
Should dash my clay against your brazen side. 
By the hard fate of that unequal stroke. 

While you are whole, I shall be surely broke.” 

MORAL. 

Men safest still in equal friendship live. 

Where they can do no harm, and none receive : 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


137 

The strong, by power led to insult the weak, 

With every touch the brittle vessels break ; 

While they, abused and injured by the strong. 

Must, without remedy, sustain the wrong. 


FABLE C. 

THE TWO FROGS. 

One hot, sultry summer, the lakes and ponds being 
almost everywhere dried up, a couple of Frogs agreed to 
travel together in search of water. At last they came to a 
deep well, and, sitting on the brink of it, began to consult 
whether they should leap in or no. One of them was so 
inclined, urging that there was plenty of clear, spring water, 
and no danger of being disturbed. ‘‘Well,’’ says the other, 
“ all this may be true, and yet I cannot come into your 
opinion for my life ; for if the water should happen to dry up 
here too, how should we get out again.” 

MORAL. 

Skilful generals always secure a way for retreat. “ Look 
before you leap ” is an old and trite proverb. We should 
not undertake any action of importance without considering 
what may be the result, in all its aspects. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


138 


FABLE CL 

THE FOX AND THE MASK. 

A Fox, being in a shop where Masks were sold, laid his 
foot upon one of them, and considering it awhile attentively, 
at last broke out into this exclamation : — “ Bless me !” says 
he, ‘‘ what a handsome face this is ! What a pity it is that 
it should want brains ! ” 


MORAL. 

Beauty without sense is of little value. A fair outside is 
but a poor substitute for inward worth. 

FABLE CII. 

THE CAT, THE COCK, AND THE YOUNG MOUSE. 

A Young Mouse, that had seen very little of the world, 
came running, one day, to his mother in great haste: — “Oh, 
mother!” said he, “ I am frightened almost to death ! I have 
seen the most extraordinary creature that ever was. He has 
a fierce, angry look, and struts about on two legs ; a strange 
piece of flesh grows on his head, and another under his 
throat, as red as blood: he flapped his arms against his sides, 
as if he intended to rise into the air ; and stretching out his 



THE FOX AND THE MASK 







FAVOURITE FABLES, 


139 


head, he opened a sharp-pointed mouth so wide, that I 
thought he was preparing to swallow me up : then he roared 
at me so horribly, that I trembled in every joint, and was glad 
to run home as fast as I could. If I had not been frightened 
away by this terrible monster, I was just going to commence 
an acquaintance with the prettiest creature you ever saw. 
She had a soft fur skin, thicker than ours, and all beautifully 
streaked with black and grey; with a modest look, and a 
demeanour so humble and courteous, that methought I could 
have fallen in love with her. Then she had a fine, long tail, 
which she waved about so prettily, and looked so earnestly at 
me, that I do believe she was just going to speak to me, 
when the horrid monster frightened me away.” 

“Ah, my dear child!” said the mother, “you have 
escaped being devoured, but not by that monster you were so 
much afraid of ; which, in truth, was only a bird, and would 
have done you no manner of harm. Whereas, the sweet 
creature, of whom you seem so fond, was no other than a 
Cat ; who, under that hypocritical countenance, conceals the 
most inveterate hatred to all our race, and subsists entirely 
by devouring Mice. Learn from this incident, my dear, 
never, while you live, to rely on outward appearances.” 

MORAL. 

Beneath a fair, alluring guise, 

A hidden danger often lies. 


140 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE cm. 

THE MICE AND THE TRAP. 

Once upon a time, the Mice saw a broiled rasher of 
bacon hanging up in a very little room, the door of which 
being open, enticed them to fall on with greedy appetites. 
But some of them took particular notice that there was but 
one way into the room, and, by consequence, but one way to 
get out of it; so that, if that door, by misfortune or art, 
should chance to be shut, they would all be inevitably taken : 
they could not, therefore, find in their hearts to venture in ; 
but said, that they had rather content themselves with homely 
fare, in safety, than, for the sake of a dainty bit, to run the 
danger of being taken, and lost for ever. 

The other Mice, who were looked upon to be great 
epicures, declared that they saw no danger ; and, therefore, 
ran into the room, and fell to eating the bacon with great 
delight : but they soon heard the door fall down, and saw 
that they were all taken. Then the fear of approaching 
death so seized them, that they found no relish in their 
exquisite food ; and immediately came the Cook who had set 
the Trap, and killed them: but the others, who had contented 
themselves with their usual food, fled into their holes, and, 
by that means, preserved their lives. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


FABLE CIV. 

THE CHAMELEON. 

Oft has it been my lot to mark 
A proud, conceited, talking spark. 

With eyes that hardly served at most 
To guard their master ’gainst a post; 

Yet round the world the blade has been, 
To see whatever could be seen. 

Returning from his finish’d tour. 

Grown ten times perter than before. 
Whatever word you chance to drop, 

The travelled fool your mouth will stop ; 
‘‘ Sir, if my judgment you’ll allow, — 

I’ve seen, — and, sure, I ought to know; ” 
So begs you’d pay a due submission. 

And acquiesce in his decision. 

Two travellers, of such a cast. 

As o’er Arabia’s wilds they pass’d, 


142 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


And on their way, in friendly chat, 

Now talked of this, and then of that ; 
Discoursed awhile, ’mongst other matter, 
Of the Chameleon’s form and nature. 

‘‘A stranger animal,” cries one, 

“ Sure never lived beneath the sun : 

A lizard’s body, lean and long, 

A fish’s head, a serpent’s tongue. 

In truth, with triple jaw disjoin’d ; 

And what a length of tail behind ! 

How slow its pace ! and then its hue ! 
Who ever saw so fine a blue ? ” 


“ Hold there !” the other quick replies, 
“ ’Tis green : — I saw it with these eyes. 
As late with open mouth it lay. 

And warm’d it in the sunny ray : 

Stretch’d at its ease the beast I view’d. 
And saw it eat the air for food.” 


“ I’ve seen it, sir, as well as you. 
And must again affirm it blue ; 

At leisure I the beast survey’d. 
Extended in the cooling shade.” 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


143 


“ ’Tis green ! ’tis green ! sir, I assure ye.” — 
Green !” cries the other, in a fury, — 

“ Why, sir, d’ye think Fve lost my eyes ? ” 

“ ’Twere no great loss ! ” the friend replies ; 

‘‘ For if they always serve you thus. 

You find ’em but of little use.” 


So high at last the contest rose. 

From words they almost came to blows ; 

When, luckily, came by a third; 

To him the question they referr’d; 

And begged he’d tell ’em, if he knew. 

Whether the thing was green or blue. 

‘‘ Sirs,” cries the umpire, “ cease your pother—^ 
The creature’s neither one nor t’other. 

I caught the animal last night. 

And viewed it o’er by candle-light ; 

I marked it well — ’twas black as jet ; — 

You stare — but, sirs, I’ve got it yet, 

And can produce it.” — ‘‘Pray, sir, do; 

I’ll lay my life the thing is blue.” 

“ And I’ll be sworn that when you’ve seen 
The reptile, you’ll pronounce him green.” 


144 


FAVOUI^ITE FABLES. 


“ Well, then, at once to ease the doubt,” 
Replies the man, “Til turn him out ; 

And when before your eyes Tve set him. 

If you don’t find him black I’ll eat him 
He said. Then full before their sight, 
Produced the beast, and lo ! ’twas white. 
Both stared, the man looked wondrous wise. 

My children,” the Chameleon cries, 

(Then first the creature found a tongue). 
You all are right and all are wrong ; 

When next you talk of what you view. 
Think others see as well as you ; 

Nor wonder, if you find that none 
Prefers your eye-sight to his own.” 


FABLE CV. 

THE WOLF, THE FOX, AND THE ASS. 

The Lion, as king of the beasts, made a law that no 
beast should, without lawful cause, do any hurt to another ; 
and should come once a year to court, to confess, and be 
absolved or punished, according to his deserts. Now it 
happened that the Wolf and the Fox were going thither 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


145 


together, and overtaking the Ass on the road, said to him : — 
“ Brother, it Is a long way to court, and it certainly must be 
much more tedious to you than to ourselves, because of your 
slow pace ; but we can avoid the trouble of going thither, if 
you think fit. Let us three confess ourselves to one another, 
and send our absolutions to court, attested by two of us as 
witnesses.” 

The Ass liked the proposal; into a clover field they 
went, and the Fox thus confessed himself first: — ‘‘It hap- 
pened, as I was going one night through a village, a Cock, by 
his loud crowing, disturbed all the people that were asleep ; at 
which I grew very angry, and bit off his head ; then, fearing 
that the stench of his dead body might be offensive to the 
Hens, I ate him up. Nevertheless, it happened, three days 
after, as I was going by the same village, those very Hens 
spied me ; and, instead of thanking me for the great kindness 
I had done them, cried out, ‘ Murderer, murderer ! ’ Then 
I, in defence of my honour, killed three of them ; and, lest 
they should have stunk and offended the neighbourhood, ate 
them up too. This is all I have done; for which I now 
await your sentence.” 

The Wolf thereupon expressed himself thus:— “You 
have, Indeed, offended against the letter of our monarch’s 
law, but not against the meaning of it ; since your intentions 
were honourable, to take care of the quiet of men, and to 


L 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


146 

vindicate your injured reputation. If, therefore, you will 
promise never to be so hasty again in killing any beast, I 
vote for your absolution.” This the Fox readily did; and 
the Ass joined in opinion with the Wolf, who then thus 
began his confession 

. : “ As I was one day walking along, I saw a Sow trampling 
down the corn of a poor peasant, and tearing it up by the 
roots, while her hungry Pigs were strayed far from her, and 
could not get themselves out of the mire ; so that I, grow- 
ing very angry at the great mischief she did the peasant, 
and at her neglect of motherly duty, killed and ate her up. 
Three days . after, chancing to go again the same way, I 
observed that those Pigs were grown very lean ; and reflect- 
ing that, through want of their mother’s milk, they would 
certainly die a languishing death, I put an end to their 
miseries, and ate them up too. This I have to confess.” 

The Fox instantly argued in this manner : — “ Though you 
confess to having killed both mother and children ; and though 
it seems, at first sight, that you have heinously offended 
against the law of our king ; yet I see, nevertheless, that 
your intentions were good : to prevent mischief from falling 
upon men, to stir up a mother to her duty, and to show com- 
passion to her miserable children, are virtues that no law can 
forbid or punish. I, therefore, declare you absolved.” To 
which the Ass agreed. 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


147 


The Ass then made his confession: — “You both know,’’ 
said he, “ that it is not in my nature to do hurt to other 
beasts, nor to shed blood ; and, therefore, you cannot expect 
to hear any such thing from me ; but, to content you, I will 
relate to you what happened innc^cently to me, while I was in 
the service of a master. He was an old man, and apt to take 
cold in his feet ; so that, when he travelled, to keep them dry 
and warm, he was wont to stick a little hay in his shoes. 
Now I carried him, one winter, to an inn, where he was to lie 
all night ; and when we came to the door, the innkeeper 
brought him a pair of dry slippers, that his dirty shoes might 
not soil the house ; so that he pulled them off, and left them 
without, and me by them. In short, my master and his host 
found themselves so well in the chimney-corner, that they 
never thought of poor me; but left me all night in the bitter 
cold, without giving me a handful of food : so that I ate up 
all the hay that stuck in his shoes. This is all I have to say; 
— if you will call it a confession, you may : however, I think 
nothing can be said against it.” 

“ Oh ! ” said the Fox, immediately, “ this is not, indeed, 
an offence against the letter of the law, which mentions only 
the doing hurt to beasts, and takes no notice of eating of 
hay ; but, if we reflect on the dangerous consequences of this 
action, and that so reverend a creature as a chill, aged man, 
by being thus robbed of his hay in the winter, and the next 


I4B 


FAVOURITE FABLES, 


day continuing his road without it, might have caught a cold, 
a cough, and a cholic, that would have brought his grey hairs 
to the grave : — whoever, I say, reflects on this, cannot but be 
of my opinion, — which is, that the Ass largely deserves to 
die. Cousin Wolf, what say you to this matter?’’ “I,” 
said the Wolf, ‘‘ am of opinion that by reason of the ill con- 
sequences that might have attended this action, the Ass 
deserves a double death, and to be made an example to 
others.” With that he leaped upon him, and tore out his 
throat, and the Fox and he immediately ate him up. 

MORAL. 

Knaves can always find reasons for justifying their own 
conduct, and condemning that of others. 


FABLE CVI. 

THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY. 

A BOY, greatly smitten with the colours of a Butterfly, 
pursued it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. 
First, he aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose ; 
then to cover it with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy ; 
now hoped to secure it, as it rested on a sprig of myrtle ; 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


149 


and now grew sure of his prize, perceiving it loiter on a bed 
of violets. But the fickle Fly, continually changing one 
blossom for another, still eluded his attempts. At length, 
observing it half buried in the cup of a tulip, he rushed 
forward, and snatching it with violence, crushed it all to 
pieces. 

MORAL. 

Pleasure, like the Butterfly, 

Will still elude as we draw nigh ; 

And when we think we hold it fast. 

Will, like the insect, breathe its last. 


FABLE evil. 

THE CROW AND THE PITCHER. 

A Crow, ready to die with thirst, flew with joy to a 
Pitcher, which he beheld at some distance. When he came 
he found water in it, indeed, but so near the bottom that, 
with all his stooping and straining, he was not able to reach 
it. Then he endeavoured to overturn the Pitcher, that so at 
least he might be able to get a little of It. But his strength 
was not sufficient for this. At last, seeing some pebbles lie 
near the place, he cast them one by one into the Pitcher; 


FAVOURITE FABLES. 


150 

and thus, by degrees, raised the water up to the very brim, 
and satisfied his thirst. 


MORAL. 

Necessity is the mother of invention, and that- which 
cannot be accomplished by strength may be achieved by 
ingenuity. 



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